Zaroten

Indications

Tazarotene is a topical retinoid (a vitamin A related medicine applied to the skin). It is used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, acne vulgaris, and in some products sun-damaged skin with fine wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. It comes as a gel, cream or lotion.

How It Works

After it is applied, Tazarotene is changed in the skin into its active form, tazarotenic acid. This acts on retinoid receptors in skin cells, slowing down the overgrowth of skin cells seen in psoriasis, reducing inflammation, and helping to unblock pores in acne.

Dosage and Administration

Use once a day in the evening, or as prescribed. Clean and dry the skin, then apply a thin layer only to the affected areas (for acne, a thin layer over the whole affected area; for psoriasis, only on the plaques, avoiding healthy skin). Wash your hands afterwards. Avoid the eyes, lips, inside the nose and mouth, and broken or eczema-affected skin. Do not cover with tight dressings unless told to. Improvement may take several weeks.

Interactions

Using it together with other drying or irritating skin products (such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, strong soaps, alcohol-based products, astringents or waxing) can increase irritation. Medicines that make the skin more sensitive to light, such as Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones, Thiazide diuretics or Phenothiazines, may increase sunburn risk.

Contraindications

Do not use during pregnancy or if you are trying to become pregnant, or if you are allergic to Tazarotene or any ingredient. Do not apply to sunburnt, broken or eczematous skin.

Side Effects

Skin irritation is common: burning, stinging, itching, redness, peeling, dryness and skin pain, especially in the first weeks. Sensitivity to sunlight may increase. Psoriasis plaques or surrounding skin may become darker or lighter for a time.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe burning, blistering or swelling of the skin, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Tazarotene can harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test before starting, use effective contraception during treatment, and stop and tell the doctor at once if pregnancy occurs. It is not known if it passes into breast milk; do not use while breastfeeding unless the doctor advises, and never apply to the chest area.

Precautions and Warnings

Avoid too much sun and sunlamps; use sunscreen and protective clothing. Do not use on large areas of the body (more than about one fifth of the skin) unless prescribed. If irritation is severe, reduce use or stop and ask your doctor. Do not use with weather extremes such as strong wind or cold without protection.

Overdose

Applying too much does not work faster and may cause marked redness, peeling and discomfort. If swallowed, effects similar to too much vitamin A could occur; seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Topical retinoid (anti-psoriatic and anti-acne agent).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed.