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Overview: Duobrii is a lotion used for plaque psoriasis. The most common side effects from Duobrii are skin reactions, such as redness, pain, and inflammation. Using Duobrii can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight while you are using it. Stop this medicine and call your health care provider right away if you get pregnant.

Uses

What is Duobrii used for?

Duobrii (halobetasol/tazarotene topical) is commonly used to treat plaque psoriasis, a skin condition that can cause an itchy, painful rash with raised patches of skin.

Duobrii may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Duobrii work (mechanism of action)?

Duobrii contains two medicines, halobetasol and tazarotene. Halobetasol belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling. Tazarotene belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids. It may help slow down skin cell growth.

How is Duobrii supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Duobrii

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.01%/0.045% topical lotion

How should I store Duobrii?

Duobrii should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and do not freeze it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Duobrii?

The most common side effects of Duobrii are skin reactions (see below). These reactions can include inflammation of hair follicles, or skin thinning, itching, swelling, stinging, peeling, redness, and pain. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Duobrii that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Duobrii?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Duobrii are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Duobrii may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Duobrii and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Duobrii can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use Duobrii over large skin areas, wrap or cover the skin after applying Duobrii, use Duobrii on damaged skin, or use Duobrii with other corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of a fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Duobrii can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use Duobrii with other corticosteroids. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acne
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Duobrii may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use it with other corticosteroids. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Duobrii may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are using drugs, including Duobrii. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in sunlight. Exposing your skin to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Vision Problems. Duobrii may cause cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Cloudy or foggy vision
  • Nearsightedness
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Problems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Duobrii?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Duobrii.

  • Halobetasol
  • Tazarotene
  • Duobrii
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Duobrii.

Pregnancy. Do not use Duobrii if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details. 

What should I know about Duobrii before using it?

Do not use Duobrii unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Duobrii with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Duobrii out of the reach of children.

Do not use it on skin that is irritated like areas of eczema. This may cause serious skin irritation.

Duobrii is for use on the skin only. Do not get Duobrii in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. You should also avoid using Duobrii on your face, groin, or armpits.

If you shower or bathe before using Duobrii, dry your skin before applying it.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where Duobrii is used, unless your health care provider told you to do so.

Stop using Duobrii once your skin condition is under control. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Duobrii?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Duobrii is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Duobrii may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Duobrii, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Duobrii can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Liver Problems. Liver problems can increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any known or suspected liver problems. 

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated before you use Duobrii.

Diabetes. Duobrii can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Pregnancy. Duobrii may harm an unborn baby. A negative pregnancy test and starting use of Duobrii during a normal menstrual period are recommended. Use effective birth control while using Duobrii. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using Duobrii right away and contact your health care provider. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Duobrii passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Duobrii while breastfeeding. If you use Duobrii while breastfeeding, do not get it on your nipple or area around your nipple, so your baby does not contact the medicine.

How can I get more information about Duobrii?

For more information about Duobrii, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.duobrii.com or call them at 800-321-4576.

Interactions

Does Duobrii interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Duobrii and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Duobrii.

Does Duobrii interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Duobrii.

  • Any medicine that makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, such as a thiazide diuretic, certain antibiotics, some mental health medicines, and some medicines for nausea and vomiting
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, asthma, or COPD

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Duobrii. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Duobrii?

If you or someone else has used too much Duobrii, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Duobrii?

If you miss your scheduled dose of Duobrii, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply Duobrii more often than prescribed.

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