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Overview: Tazarotene is used on your skin to treat skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis and to minimize skin damage from the sun. The most common side effects are skin reactions, such as itching, peeling, dryness, redness, irritation, pain, or burning. Tazarotene can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin. There are several forms of tazarotene available, including a cream, foam, gel, and lotion.

Uses

What is tazarotene used for?

Tazarotene is commonly used for the following skin conditions.

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

How does tazarotene work (mechanism of action)?

Tazarotene belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids. It seems to help reduce inflammation and slow down skin cell growth to improve acne and psoriasis. 

How is tazarotene supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Arazlo
  • Fabior
  • Tazorac

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05%, 0.1% topical cream
  • 0.05%, 0.1% topical gel
  • 0.045% topical lotion
  • 0.1% topical foam

How should I store tazarotene?

Tazarotene should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Some products can be exposed to cooler and warmer temperatures for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Follow the storage instructions on your specific product. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to store your tazarotene.

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.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use tazarotene?

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

  • Arazlo
  • Fabior
  • Tazarotene
  • Tazorac
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific tazarotene products they stock.

Pregnancy. Do not use tazarotene 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 tazarotene before using it?

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

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

Keep tazarotene out of the reach of children.

While using tazarotene, avoid using skin products that can irritate your skin, such as medicated or abrasive soaps or cleansers, skin products with drying effects, and skin products that contain high amounts of alcohol or astringents. These products can increase the risk of having a severe skin reaction from tazarotene.

Tazarotene can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

Cold or windy weather may cause skin irritation while you are using tazarotene. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

Tazarotene is for use on the skin only. It should not be used on other areas of the body such as your eyes, mouth, or vagina. If you accidentally get tazarotene in or near your eyes, rinse them with water. Do not use it on skin areas with eczema or on sunburned skin. Wash your hands after applying tazarotene.

Avoid fire or flame (including smoking) while and shortly after applying tazarotene topical foam. The contents are flammable.

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

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 tazarotene is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Tazarotene may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using tazarotene, 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.

Skin Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any other skin problems, including eczema.

Pregnancy. You should not use tazarotene if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to a fetus. You may need a negative pregnancy test before you can start using tazarotene. You should use effective birth control while you are using it. If you become pregnant while using tazarotene, stop using it right away and contact your health care provider. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tazarotene 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 tazarotene while breastfeeding. If you use tazarotene while you are breastfeeding, use the smallest amount of medicine, only use it as much as you need to, and avoid using it on or near your nipples. This will help to limit the amount of medicine your baby could be exposed to.

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.

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 tazarotene?

If you or someone else has used too much tazarotene, 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 tazarotene?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. Do not apply tazarotene more often than prescribed.