Tazarotene 0.1% cream is indicated for the topical treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis. It is also used to treat acne.

Topical Tazarotene blocks ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, which is associated with cell proliferation and hyperplasia. Tazarotene suppresses the expression of MRP8, a marker of inflammation present at high levels in the epidermis of psoriasis patients. In human keratinocyte cultures, it inhibits cornified envelope formation, the buildup of which is an element of the psoriatic scale. Tazarotene also induces the expression of a gene that may act as a growth suppressor in human keratinocytes and that may inhibit epidermal hyperproliferation in treated plaques.

For psoriasis: Apply once daily in the evening usually for up to twelve weeks. Use and dose must be determined by the doctor of children upto 12 years of age.

For acne: Cleanse the face gently. After the skin is dry, apply a thin layer of Tazarotene cream once per day, in the evening, to the skin areas where acne lesions appear. Use enough to cover the entire affeted area.

Concomitant use of dermatologic medications and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect should be avoided. It is also advisable to "rest" the patient's skin until the effects of such preparations subside before starting Tazarotene cream. Topical steroids may be hazardous in psoriasis; careful patient supervision is important. Consider if infection spreads. Do not use near a naked flame.

Retinoids may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Tazarotene cream is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, treatment should be discontinued and the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should be warned of the potential risk and should use adequate birth-control measures when Tazarotene cream is used.

Generally, Tazarotene cream is well-tolerated. The most frequent adverse events related to treatment with Tazarotene are skin-related, for example: pruritus, erythema, burning, irritation, desquamation, stinging, contact dermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, worsening of psoriasis, skin pain, rash, hypertriglyceridemia, dry skin, skin inflammation, and peripheral edema.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Although there may be less systemic exposure when treating acne on the face alone due to the smaller surface area for application, Tazarotene is a teratogenic substance. It is not known what level of exposure is required for teratogenicity in humans. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Tazarotene is administered to a nursing woman.

Tazarotene cream should be applied only to the affected areas. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, and mouth. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Retinoids should not be used on eczematous skin, as they may cause severe irritation. Because of heightened burning susceptibility, exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) should be avoided unless deemed medically necessary, and in such cases, exposure should be minimized during the use of Tazarotene cream. Tazarotene cream should be administered with caution if the patient is also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers (e.g., thiazides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines, sulfonamides) because of the increased possibility of augmented photosensitivity.

Excessive topical use of Tazarotene cream 0.1% may lead to marked redness, peeling, or discomfort. Tazarotene cream 0.1% is not for oral use. Oral ingestion of the drug may lead to the same adverse effects as those associated with excessive oral intake of Vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A) or other retinoids. If oral ingestion occurs, the patient should be monitored and appropriate supportive measures should be administered as necessary.

Topical retinoid and related preparations

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.