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Tazorac

Psoriasis facts

  • Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease.
  • Psoriasis has no known cause.
  • The tendency toward developing psoriasis is inherited in genes.
  • Psoriasis is not contagious.
  • Psoriasis gets better and worse spontaneously and can have periodic remissions (clear skin).
  • Psoriasis is controllable with medication.
  • Psoriasis is currently not curable.
  • There are many promising therapies, including newer biologic drugs.
  • Future research for psoriasis is promising.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin condition that produces red, dry plaques of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid proliferation of skin cells that is triggered by abnormal lymphocytes from the blood . Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.

Some people have such mild ps...

Tazorac

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TAZORAC®
(tazarotene) Gel 0.05% & 0.1%

DRUG DESCRIPTION

TAZORAC® (tazarotene gel) Gel is a translucent, aqueous gel and contains the compound tazarotene, a member of the acetylenic class of retinoids. It is for topical dermatologic use only. The active ingredient is represented by the following structural formula:

TAZORAC® (tazarotene) Structural Formula Illustration

C21H21NO2S

Molecular Weight: 351.46

Chemical Name: Ethyl 6-[(4,4-dimethylthiochroman-6-yl)ethynyl]nicotinate

Contains:

Active: Tazarotene 0.05% or 0.1% (w/w)
Preservative: Benzyl alcohol 1% (w/w)
Inactives: Ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer 934P, edetate disodium, hexylene glycol, poloxamer 407, polyethylene glycol 400, polysorbate 40, purified water, and tromethamine.

What are the possible side effects of tazarotene topical (Avage, Tazorac)?

Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using tazarotene topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives).

You may experience some skin burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while using tazarotene topical. If these side effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of tazarotene...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Tazorac »

What are the precautions when taking tazarotene gel (Tazorac)?

Before using tazarotene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (e.g., eczema, sunburn, sun sensitivity).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to the skin. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) daily, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using this...

Read All Potential Precautions of Tazorac »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/19/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Tazorac Cream - User Reviews

Tazorac Cream User Reviews

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Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Tazorac Cream sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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