Tazarotene is a prescription drug used to treat acne and plaque psoriasis in adults and some children. It belongs to a group of medications called retinoids, which are made from vitamin A. It may improve skin texture and reduce fine wrinkles, as well as dark or light spots on the face. Tazarotene is available as a topical cream, gel, and foam. This medication can be expensive, but it is often covered by insurance or other health plans. It is also available as a generic, which can save you money. You can use a coupon to lower the cost even more.
This medication is usually applied to the skin once a day, in the evening. It is important to apply it precisely as directed by your doctor. You should not apply more than the prescribed amount, as this could increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may change your dosage or how often you use the medication, depending on how it works and how well your skin responds.
If you have a history of skin irritation, your doctor may recommend applying tazarotene less often or at a lower strength. Some people are sensitive to this medication and experience itching or a burning sensation when they apply it to their skin. You should tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
You should not use this medication if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is absorbed through the skin and can harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor right away.
Tazarotene may interact with certain other drugs, including tretinoin (Retin-A), benzoyl peroxide (Benzaclin, Duac, Epiduo), some antidepressants, and some antibiotics. You should avoid using other acne treatments while you are using this medication, and if you do, apply them at different times of the day than when you use tazarotene. You should not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication, as it can cause flare-ups of your acne or psoriasis.
Your doctor should know about all other skin care products that you use, including soaps, shampoos, hair products, permanent-wave solutions, moisturizers, and cosmetics. It is important to tell your doctor about all of these products, because some can irritate your skin or make your psoriasis worse. You should also tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, such as a history of sunburn or eczema.
If you are a smoker, your doctor should know this as well. Smoking can make the side effects of this medication worse. You should not smoke while you are using tazarotene, and you should quit smoking if you have an addiction to cigarettes.
You can save on your tazarotene medication by buying it from a mail-order pharmacy. There are several websites that can provide you with low-cost prescriptions, such as Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds. Some of these sites have tools that can help you find other ways to lower your healthcare costs, as well as educational resources. buy tazarotene