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In human dermal safety studies, tazarotene 0.05% and 0.1% creams did not induce allergic contact sensitization, phototoxicity, or photoallergy.

Psoriasis

The most frequent adverse events reported with TAZORAC® (tazarotene cream) 0.05% and 0.1% creams were limited to the skin. Those occurring in 10 to 23% of patients, in descending order, included pruritus, erythema, and burning. Events occurring in > 1 to < 10% of patients, in descending order, included irritation, desquamation, stinging, contact dermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, worsening of psoriasis, skin pain, rash, hypertriglyceridemia, dry skin, skin inflammation, and peripheral edema.

Tazarotene cream 0.1% was associated with a somewhat greater degree of local irritation than the 0.05% cream. In general, the rates of irritation adverse events reported during psoriasis studies with TAZORAC® (tazarotene cream) 0.1% Cream were 1 to 4 percentage points higher than those reported for TAZORAC® (tazarotene cream) 0.05% Cream.

Acne

The most frequent adverse reactions reported during clinical trials with TAZORAC® (tazarotene cream) Cream 0.1% in the treatment of acne, occurring in 10-30% of patients, in descending order included desquamation, dry skin, erythema, and burning sensation. Events occurring in 1 to 5% of patients included pruritus, irritation, face pain, and stinging.

Concomitant dermatologic medications and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect should be avoided. It is also advisable to “rest” a patient's skin until the effects of such preparations subside before use of TAZORAC® (tazarotene cream) Cream is begun.

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/24/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.