Tazorac (Generic)

This medication is used to reduce fine wrinkles and dark and light spots on your face. Tazarotene is a retinoid product related to Vitamin A. It is important to use this medication with a total skin care program and avoid exposure to sunlight.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using tazarotene and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the face only.

Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication, then clean your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Wait at least 20 minutes before applying the medication to make sure your face is dry. Apply a pea-sized amount of this medication to the affected areas on your face as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Wash your hands well after applying. In the morning, apply a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.

You may use a moisturizing cream or lotion on your face before or after you apply this medication. Make sure that either the moisturizer or medication has been absorbed into your skin, and that your skin is dry before you apply the second product.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse right away with plenty of cool water.

Do not apply this medication to skin that is cut, scraped, sunburned, or affected by eczema. Consult your doctor for more information.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Do not use large amounts or apply this medication more often or use for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

Itching, burning/stinging, redness, irritation, dryness or peeling of the skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: skin rash or cracking, discoloration or bleeding of the skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, severe itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using tazarotene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (such as eczema, sunburn, sun sensitivity).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using this medication. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to the skin.

Avoid electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Before starting this medication, women who could become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test result within the last 2 weeks. This medication should be started during a normal menstrual period.

Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: vitamin A products, hair perming solutions, other skin products with strong drying effects, skin products containing alcohol/lime/spice (such as shaving lotions, astringents such as calamine lotion, perfume), soaps/shampoos/cleansers that are medicated/abrasive.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: increased skin dryness and peeling.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.