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Uses
Consult your pharmacist or physician.
How to use Tazarotene (Tazorac, Arazlo, and others)
cream, foam, gel, or lotion that is applied to the skin
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of tazarotene?
The most common side effects of tazarotene are skin reactions (see below), such as itching, peeling, dryness, redness, irritation, pain, or burning. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of tazarotene 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 tazarotene?
While less common, the most serious side effects of tazarotene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Tazarotene may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using tazarotene 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
Skin Reactions. Tazarotene can cause skin-related side effects, such as itching, peeling, dryness, redness, irritation, pain, or burning. Sometimes these can be severe. Using a moisturizer may help reduce the severity of these reactions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following skin reactions that are severe.
- Blisters
- Dryness
- Skin peeling
- Itching
- Pain or burning
- Redness
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 tazarotene. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure 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.
Precautions
Consult your pharmacist or physician.
Interactions
Does tazarotene interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between tazarotene and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect tazarotene.
Does tazarotene 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, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using tazarotene.
- Any medicine that dries out or irritates your skin
- Any medicine that makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight
- Benzoyl peroxide, which is a medicine commonly used to treat acne
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with tazarotene. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing , call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Missed Dose
Consult your pharmacist or physician.
Storage
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.