If you have acne or plaque psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe Tazorac. It’s a prescription drug used to treat these conditions in adults and some children.

For more details about how Tazorac is used to treat these conditions, see the “Is Tazorac used for acne?” and “Is Tazorac used for other conditions?” sections below.

Tazorac basics

Tazorac contains the active drug tazarotene. It belongs to a group of drugs called retinoids. Retinoids are made from vitamin A.

Tazorac is a topical medication, which means you apply it to your skin. It comes as a cream and a gel. The cream is also available as a generic drug, but the gel is currently only available as a brand-name drug.

Tazorac cream and gel are both available in two strengths: 0.05% and 0.1%. The 0.05% strength is used for plaque psoriasis only. The 0.1% strength can be used to treat acne or plaque psoriasis.

It’s important to note that Tazorac gel is only approved for plaque psoriasis that covers no more than 20% of your body surface area (BSA). If your doctor determines that your psoriasis affects more than 20% of your BSA, they may prescribe Tazorac cream or recommend a different medication for you.

Read on to learn about Tazorac’s uses, side effects, FAQs, and more.

Tazorac is used to treat acne in adults and in children ages 12 and older.

Acne is a common skin condition. It occurs when the pores on the surface of your skin get clogged with oil, bacteria, and skin cells. This leads to areas of inflammation (swelling and redness or discoloration) and infection, commonly called pimples or zits.

Tazorac helps keep your pores clear by preventing skin cells from building up. It also reduces inflammation in your skin.

The drug is available as a cream and a gel. Both forms are used to treat acne, but the gel is specifically used to treat mild to moderate acne on the face.

To learn more about Tazorac’s use for treating acne, see this article. To learn about Tazorac’s use for other conditions, see the section directly below.

In addition to acne, Tazorac is used to treat plaque psoriasis. (To learn about Tazorac’s use for treating acne, see the section directly above.)

Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. It’s caused by an overactive immune system attacking your skin cells. Your body responds by making more and more skin cells. These build up to form scaly patches of skin called plaques. Plaques can be painful, itchy, or inflamed.

Tazorac treats psoriasis by preventing skin cells from building up. It also reduces inflammation (swelling and redness or discoloration) in your skin.

The cream form of Tazorac is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. The gel is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and in children ages 12 and older.

It’s important to note that Tazorac gel is only approved for plaque psoriasis that covers no more than 20% of your body surface area (BSA). If your doctor determines that your psoriasis affects more than 20% of your BSA, they may prescribe Tazorac cream or recommend a different medication for you.

Tazorac may also be used off-label for other conditions. With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is prescribed for a different use. Talk with your doctor for more information.

Tazorac is a brand-name medication that contains the active drug tazarotene. Tretinoin is a generic drug that’s available as several brand-name medications, including Retin-A, Avita, and Renova.

Both Tazorac and tretinoin are used to treat acne. Check out this side-by-side comparison to learn more about Tazorac and Retin-A. Also, talk with your doctor to find out if one of these medications is right for you.

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Tazorac.

Can I view before and after pictures of people who’ve used Tazorac?

Yes, the manufacturer’s website has before and after pictures of people who’ve used Tazorac.

Many factors can affect a person’s results from Tazorac or other skin treatments. These factors may include:

  • how long they’ve used the treatment
  • the severity of their skin condition
  • how well they avoid triggers that make their skin condition worse
  • their skincare routine, such as regular cleansing and moisturizing

If you’re not getting the results you were hoping for, talk with your doctor. They may recommend giving Tazorac more time to work or discuss the other factors listed above. Or they may suggest a different treatment option for you.

Is Tazorac used for wrinkles or as an anti-aging treatment?

Yes, some doctors may prescribe Tazorac off-label for this purpose. (Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is prescribed for a different use.)

Tazorac contains the active drug tazarotene, which also comes as the brand-name medication Avage. Avage is a prescription cream used to manage fine wrinkles and certain skin discolorations on the face. Avage is used as part of a skincare routine that includes avoiding sun exposure.

Also, research shows that daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen can help prevent or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This may give the effect of fewer neck wrinkles or wrinkles around eyes.

If you have questions about tazarotene, including how to use it for wrinkles, talk with your doctor.

Does Tazorac help with acne scars, brown spots, or dark spots on the skin?

Tazorac hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat dark spots, light spots, or acne scars.

But some doctors may prescribe the drug off-label to treat acne scars. A small clinical study found that the 0.1% strength of Tazorac gel was as effective as microneedling at reducing acne scarring.

Tazorac contains the active drug tazarotene. Tazarotene also comes as the brand-name Avage. This is a prescription cream that’s FDA-approved to manage fine wrinkles and certain types of skin discoloration on the face, such as liver spots. So, although Tazorac isn’t approved to treat skin discoloration, you could be prescribed a drug with the same active ingredient as Tazorac.

If you have questions about treatment for acne scars or skin discoloration, talk with your doctor.

Will my skin purge with Tazorac treatment?

It’s possible to have skin purging while using retinoids. (Tazorac is a type of retinoid.) With skin purging, new or worsened breakouts occur as dirt, oil, or dead skin cells rise to the skin’s surface. This may happen as retinoids affect the growth and production of new skin cells.

In other words, your skin may get worse before it gets better while using Tazorac. It may take 4 to 12 weeks to notice improvement.

If you have questions about what to expect during your Tazorac treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Tazorac be used to remove sebaceous hyperplasia or warts?

No, Tazorac isn’t used to remove warts or sebaceous hyperplasia (small bumps on the skin due to enlarged oil glands). Tazorac is only approved to treat acne and plaque psoriasis.

There are several options to remove warts, such as over-the-counter salicylic acid or freeze-off treatments. And sebaceous hyperplasia can be removed by a doctor using professional cryotherapy (freezing off) or minor surgery.

If you have questions about treating warts or other skin conditions, talk with your doctor.

What should I know about alternatives to Tazorac, such as Fabior, Aczone, Atralin, Onexton, and clindamycin?

These are just a few topical acne medications that are alternatives to Tazorac. Many factors, such as cost or possible side effects, can help you and your doctor determine which treatment is right for you.

Some of these drugs are similar to Tazorac. Fabior and Tazorac contain the same active drug, tazarotene. Atralin belongs to the same group of drugs (called retinoids) as Tazorac, but it contains the active drug tretinoin.

Other alternatives are topical antibiotics, including dapsone (Aczone) and clindamycin. And Onexton is a gel that contains clindamycin along with benzoyl peroxide.

For a comparison of Tazorac to tretinoin (RetinA), see the “What should I know about Tazorac vs. tretinoin?” section above. And see the “What should I know about Tazorac vs. Differin?” section below to read about how Tazorac compares to adapalene (Differin).

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Tazorac that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Forms: Cream and gel

Tazorac is a topical medication, which means you apply it to your skin. It comes as a cream and a gel.

Strengths: 0.05% and 0.1%

Tazorac cream and gel are available in two strengths: 0.05% and 0.1%.

Recommended dosage

You’ll apply a thin layer of Tazorac to the affected skin area once per day. The drug’s manufacturer recommends applying Tazorac in the evening.

Questions about Tazorac’s dosage

Here are a couple of questions and answers about Tazorac’s dosage.

  • Will I need to use Tazorac long term? Possibly. Tazorac is typically used for up to 12 weeks for acne and up to 12 months for plaque psoriasis. But your doctor may recommend that you use the drug longer. Talk with your doctor about how long to use Tazorac.
  • How long does Tazorac take to work? Tazorac may take 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use before you notice an improvement in your skin.

Like most drugs, Tazorac may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Tazorac may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Tazorac. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Tazorac can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the prescribing information for Tazorac cream or gel. Side effects might differ slightly depending on whether you’re using the drug to treat acne or plaque psoriasis.

Mild side effects of Tazorac that have been reported include:

  • burning sensation*
  • skin that’s flaky or peeling
  • itchy, irritated, swollen areas of skin
  • reddening or discoloration of skin
  • dry skin*

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Tazorac can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Tazorac, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Tazorac that have been reported include:

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects Tazorac may cause.

Burning sensation

It’s common to feel a stinging or burning sensation while using Tazorac cream or gel. In studies, this was a common side effect in people who used Tazorac cream or gel for acne or plaque psoriasis.

Your skin may feel like it stings or burns right after you apply Tazorac. Or these sensations may come and go anytime while you’re using the treatment. This irritation may be more noticeable if you’re outside in cold or windy weather.

For most people, this side effect is mild and temporary.

What might help

To help prevent or minimize this side effect, it’s important to carefully follow the instructions for using Tazorac. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Be sure to only apply a thin layer of the gel or cream.
  • Avoid areas of your skin affected by eczema.
  • Only apply Tazorac to areas affected by your skin condition (acne or plaque psoriasis).

Also, check with your doctor before using any other skincare products or topical medications while using Tazorac. They’ll let you know if you need to avoid any ingredients that may irritate your skin.

If you have a burning sensation that doesn’t go away or becomes severe, tell your doctor. Your doctor can determine whether you should continue your Tazorac treatment.

Dry skin

Dry skin is a common side effect of Tazorac. In studies, this side effect commonly occurred in people who used Tazorac cream or gel to treat acne or plaque psoriasis.

Dry skin can be itchy and uncomfortable, and it may lead to further irritation if you scratch it. Scratching can also trigger a flare-up in people who have plaque psoriasis.

What might help

Check with your doctor before using any other skincare products or topical medications while using Tazorac. They’ll let you know whether you need to avoid any ingredients that could dry out your skin.

Drinking lots of water and using a humidifier in your home can also help with dry skin.

If these tips don’t help, or your dry skin seems severe, talk with your doctor. They may suggest other ways to relieve this side effect.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Tazorac.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Tazorac. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Both Tazorac and Differin are both brand-name drugs used to treat acne. Tazorac contains the active drug tazarotene, and Differin contains the active drug adapalene.

If you’d like to know more about Tazorac and Differin, read this in-depth comparison. You can also ask your doctor which treatment option work best for you.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.

Tazorac cream is available as the generic drug tazarotene, but Tazorac gel is currently only available as a brand-name drug. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know about using tazarotene cream.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Tazorac manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options.

You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

There are several things to discuss with your doctor when considering Tazorac treatment. These include your general health, any medications or supplements you take, and any medical conditions or sensitivities you have.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Tazorac, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Tazorac.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Certain drugs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight if you take them while using Tazorac. These drugs include:

Certain vitamins, herbs, or supplements can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight if you take them while using Tazorac.

Additionally, using certain skincare products while using Tazorac can make your skin more likely to become dry or irritated. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice on selecting other skincare products.

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Tazorac. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur when using Tazorac.

Warnings

Tazorac may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Tazorac. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

  • Eczema. Tazorac may cause severe irritation if it’s applied to areas of the skin affected by eczema. If you have eczema, talk with your doctor about whether Tazorac is right for you.
  • Sensitivity to sunlight or sunburn. Tazorac can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you’re already prone to sunburn or use medications that increase your sensitivity to sunlight, talk with your doctor. They can help you decide if this treatment is safe for you, especially if your job requires you to work outdoors. And if you currently have a sunburn, you’ll need to wait until it’s healed before using Tazorac.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Tazorac or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Tazorac. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Tazorac and alcohol

Alcohol doesn’t interact with Tazorac. But drinking alcohol can worsen the symptoms of plaque psoriasis or acne in some people. You may want to avoid drinking alcohol if it seems to make the symptoms of your condition worse.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how it may affect your condition.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tazorac is not safe to use in pregnancy. The drug can cause developmental problems in a fetus (commonly known as “birth defects”).

If you become pregnant while using Tazorac, tell your doctor right away. If you’re already pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.

If you’re sexually active and able to become pregnant, your doctor will have you take a pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting Tazorac. Then you’ll begin treatment during your menstrual period. Your doctor will also talk with you about birth control options to use during your Tazorac treatment.

It isn’t known if Tazorac is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They’ll help you decide on a treatment that’s right for you.

Your doctor will explain how you should take Tazorac. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Using Tazorac

Tazorac is a topical medication, which means you apply it to your skin. It comes as a cream and a gel.

Typically, you’ll apply a thin layer of Tazorac to the affected area once per day in the evening. Only apply the drug to areas of skin that are affected by your skin condition (acne or plaque psoriasis). You should wash your hands after applying Tazorac.

If you’re using Tazorac for acne, here are some tips for applying the cream or gel:

  • Before applying Tazorac, gently wash your face with a mild cleanser. Then, pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer.*
  • Once skin is completely dry, apply a thin layer of Tazorac only to areas affected by acne.

If you’re using Tazorac for plaque psoriasis, follow these tips for applying the cream or gel:

  • Apply an emollient* to moisturize and soften your skin at least an hour before applying Tazorac.
  • If you bathe or shower before applying Tazorac, make sure your skin has completely dried first.
  • Once skin is completely dry, apply a thin layer of Tazorac only to areas affected by psoriasis.

Be careful to avoid getting Tazorac in your mouth or eyes. If you accidentally get Tazorac in or near your eyes, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Also, Tazorac should not be used in the genital area.

* Check with your doctor about other skincare products to use while using Tazorac. They’ll let you know about avoiding any ingredients that can irritate or dry out your skin.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Tazorac and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • Is it safe to use Tazorac with my other medications?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Don’t take more Tazorac than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

  • extreme redness or discoloration
  • peeling
  • pain

What to do in case you use too much Tazorac

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Tazorac. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Your doctor may recommend Tazorac if you have certain types of psoriasis or acne. They can tell you more about the pros and cons of Tazorac as well as other treatments for acne and psoriasis.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about using Tazorac. Here are some questions to get your conversation started:

  • Does Tazorac cause hair loss?
  • What are the best skincare products, such as cleanser and sunscreen, to use with Tazorac?
  • When should I apply moisturizer?
  • Should I wash Tazorac off in the morning?
  • How long should I wait to try to become pregnant after stopping my Tazorac treatment?

You can learn more about psoriasis by subscribing to Healthline’s psoriasis newsletter. You may also want to connect with other people living with psoriatic arthritis in the Bezzy PsA community.

Q:

If I’m planning to be outdoors for a long period of time, such as on a beach vacation or ski trip, should I temporarily stop using Tazorac during that time?

Anonymous

A:

Before doing activities that will expose you to sunlight or other weather such as wind or cold for long periods of time, talk with your doctor. Tazorac can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and prone to sunburn. So, it’s recommended that you avoid unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure during your treatment. Exposure to extreme weather such as wind and cold for long periods may also make your skin more prone to irritation while using Tazorac.

If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun or extreme weather conditions, talk with your doctor. They can determine whether you should continue using Tazorac.

Damilola Omopariola, PharmD, BCACPAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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