Tazorac Cream and/or Equivalents

Tazorac Cream

Tazorac Cream Description

Tazorac Cream is the brand name of a medicine that belongs to a group popularly known as the retinoids. It is a receptor-selective retinoid which is chemically related to Vitamin A. In Canada, the medication is prescribed commonly for topical application and has been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris (acne) and plaque psoriasis. The main ingredient in Tazorac Cream is tazarotene. It also contains Benzyl alcohol as preservative and other inactive ingredients like mineral oil, medium chain triglycerides, purified water, sodium thiosulphate etc. The white coloured cream is available in two strengths of tazarotene i.e. 0.05% and 0.1%. Both variants are available in 30gm and 60gm tubes. The medication was approved by the FDA in 2001 and should be used only on being prescribed by your physician. Tazorac Cream along with Tazorac Gel is presented by Allergan Inc.

Conditions Treated by Tazorac Cream

Tazorac Cream is primarily used to treat common acne and psoriasis. It is also prescribed as an effective treatment for premature aging of your skin which is caused due to excessive exposure to the sun’s rays. Apart from acne, the cream also acts effectively on other common skin problems like closed comedones (whiteheads), open comedones (blackheads), papules (red pimples) and other pimple like skin conditions. Tazorac Cream acts against acne by keeping the pores on your skin clear and you can expect to see a marked improvement within four weeks of starting treatment. In case of psoriasis, Tazorac Cream helps to reduce inflammation of skin and restricts the growth rate of skin cells to the normal level. In this case too, results can be expected within one month of starting treatment.

Tazorac Cream Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Tazorac Cream 0.1% is prescribed as a treatment for acne vulgaris while both Tazorac Cream 0.1% and 0.05% are indicated for topical application in patients suffering from plaque psoriasis. If you are suffering from acne, your physician will prescribe Tazorac Cream 0.1% to be applied as a thin layer over the affected area. Cleanse your face thoroughly and apply the cream once a day, in the evening. In case of psoriasis, it is advisable to start your treatment with Tazorac Cream 0.1%. Apply a thin layer of the cream on the lesions once daily, in the evenings. Always ensure that your skin is dry prior to application of the cream. If you are using any emollient, apply it at least an hour before using Tazorac Cream. Your doctor will gradually increase the strength of the cream to 0.1% depending on your progress and tolerance.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have forgotten to apply Tazorac Cream on a particular day, do not try to make up for the missing dose by applying more quantity of the cream or increasing your normal dosage. You should instead continue with your regular schedule.

c.) Overdosing

Overdosing i.e. using more quantities of Tazorac Cream than recommended by your physician will in no way lead to better or faster results. On the contrary, this may cause severe side effects like burning or stinging sensation on the skin, peeling, itching, redness or even excessive dry skin.

Tazorac Cream Warnings

Although Tazorac Cream is quite safe to use, your medical caregiver will prescribe it for you only after evaluating your requirements and weighing the risks and benefits associated with the treatment. Retinoids (the group of medications Tazorac Cream belongs to) are known to harm the foetus in some pregnant women. If you are of child-bearing age, you should therefore seek medical advice before using Tazorac Cream if you are pregnant or plan to become so. Your physician may then recommend adequate birth control measure during the period of your treatment. To ensure that you are not pregnant while using Tazorac Cream, test for pregnancy at least two weeks before commencing your treatment or begin your treatment while you are having your regular menstrual cycle. Inform your physician if you are allergic to tazarotene or to the other inactive ingredients present in the cream. Share all information about your present medications, including usage of any such drug which makes you more sensitive to sunlight e.g. tetracyclines, sulfonamides, thiazides or fluoroquinolones. You should also seek medical advice if you are using any other topical medication which might cause skin irritation. Protect your skin from exposure to sunlight during the daytime by using a sunscreen of minimum SPF 15 and avoid using the cream if you are suffering from sunburn or any other chronic dermatological condition like eczema. Never discontinue treatment without medical consultation or change your dosage arbitrarily. Keep cream in a safe place away from children and never allow anyone else to use it. The cream is meant for external use, to be applied only over the affected areas. Be especially careful while applying it so that it does not come in contact with your mouth, eyes or eyelids. If contact does occur accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.

Tazorac Cream Side Effects

Like all medications, Tazorac Cream too has its side effects, though these may not become very serious. The most common side effects seen in patients suffering from psoriasis include burning or stinging sensation in the skin, itching, pruritis or erythema. Other side effects include rash, dry skin, inflammation of the skin, contact dermatitis, desquamation or peripheral oedema. Patients using Tazorac Cream for acne may experience pain in the face apart from the above symptoms.

Tazorac Cream Drug Interactions

Tazorac Cream is especially susceptible to interaction with drugs which increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It can also interact with other topically applied products or treatment procedures that make your skin excessively dry e.g. hair depilatories, medicated shampoos or soaps, electrolysis, waxes, astringents, lime peel, spices or products containing alcohol. Always speak to your medical caregiver if you are using any such product. He / she may then advice you to stop using these products and wait for some time so that your skin becomes fresh and ready for treatment with Tazorac Cream. The inactive ingredients present in Tazorac Cream may also interact with other medications that you are using presently. Therefore, tell your physician about all other prescription or non-prescription drugs you are taking at the moment, including herbal preparations, vitamins and dietary supplements.

If you have any questions about buying discount Tazorac Cream online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Tazorac Cream and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information