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TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROID/RETINOID
Duobrii (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with plaque psoriasis.
Duobrii is a prescription lotion that combines two medicines used in topical psoriasis treatment: halobetasol propionate, a corticosteroid, and tazarotene, a retinoid. Corticosteroids affect inflammation, immune function, cell signaling, and protein regulation.
Tazarotene may change gene activity. However, exactly how Duobrii treats plaque psoriasis is not fully known.
Doctors prescribe Duobrii when adults have plaque psoriasis. Duobrii is a lotion applied to the skin.
Apply a thin layer of Duobrii once daily to affected areas and rub it in gently.
Stop treatment when your psoriasis is under control. If irritation occurs, your doctor may tell you to use Duobrii less often or pause treatment. Do not use more than approximately 50 grams per week.
If you shower or bathe before applying Duobrii, make sure your skin is dry first.
Do not apply Duobrii to your face, groin, or underarms. Do not bandage, wrap, or cover the treated skin unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
Duobrii is for use on the skin only. Do not put it in your mouth, eyes, or vagina.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of adults using Duobrii lotion for plaque psoriasis, common side effects occurred in about 1 percent to 7 percent of people. These included:
Duobrii can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Bausch Health offers the Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program. Eligible people may receive Duobrii free of charge.
The program offers application support by phone, over-the-phone translation services, and free shipping, including delivery to a healthcare provider’s office or another designated location. To learn more, visit the program website or call 833-862-8727.
Duobrii is also available through the Ortho Dermatologics Rx Access Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as a $25 copay at Walgreens and participating independent pharmacies.
Before starting Duobrii, your doctor will order a pregnancy test within two weeks before treatment if you can become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to halobetasol propionate, tazarotene, or any ingredients in Duobrii.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Be sure to mention corticosteroids taken by mouth or injection and other skin products that contain corticosteroids.
Before using Duobrii, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
Avoid sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds while using Duobrii. Duobrii can make your skin more sensitive to light and may cause severe sunburn. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when sunlight cannot be avoided.
Do not use Duobrii if you are pregnant.
Duobrii may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. If you can become pregnant, begin treatment during a normal menstrual period and use effective birth control during treatment.
If you become pregnant, stop using Duobrii and contact your doctor right away.
If you are breastfeeding, do not apply Duobrii directly to the nipple or areola.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Duobrii for plaque psoriasis?
In two clinical trials of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, 36 percent and 45 percent of people using Duobrii once daily had treatment success at week 8. This compared with 7 percent and 13 percent of people using vehicle lotion. Treatment success meant that psoriasis was clear or almost clear and had improved by at least two grades on the investigator’s rating scale.
In one trial, the difference between Duobrii and vehicle lotion was not statistically significant at week 2.
How long does Duobrii take to work for plaque psoriasis?
In clinical trials, people used Duobrii once daily for up to eight weeks. Results were checked at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. The main treatment results were measured at week 8.
In one trial, Duobrii did not show a statistically significant difference from vehicle lotion at week 2.
Can Duobrii cause burning, stinging, or peeling when used for plaque psoriasis?
Yes. In clinical trials, application-site pain occurred in 3 percent of people. Contact dermatitis occurred in 7 percent, rash in 1 percent, and skin peeling in 1 percent.
Burning and stinging are also listed as common side effects. If discoloration, peeling, or discomfort occurs, your healthcare provider may tell you to use Duobrii less often or pause treatment. Treatment may restart after the irritation improves unless you have allergic contact dermatitis.
On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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