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Tazorac (tazarotene) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people with plaque psoriasis.
Tazorac is a topical retinoid. Tazarotene is changed into an active form in the body. This active form binds to proteins called retinoic acid receptors and may affect gene activity.
Doctors prescribe Tazorac when people have plaque psoriasis. By affecting gene activity, Tazorac helps reduce abnormal skin cell activity, although its exact mechanism is not fully known.
Tazorac is available as a cream and a gel that are applied to the skin. Do not get Tazorac in your eyes, mouth, or other moist body openings. If this happens, rinse the area well with water, and wash your hands after applying Tazorac.
Treatment usually starts with Tazorac 0.05 percent cream or gel. The strength may be increased to 0.1 percent if it is well tolerated and medically appropriate.
Apply a thin film once daily in the evening only to psoriasis plaques. Avoid applying it to unaffected skin, and do not apply Tazorac Gel to psoriasis covering more than 20 percent of the body.
If you bathe or shower before applying Tazorac, make sure your skin is dry. You may apply a moisturizer at least one hour before Tazorac.
If irritation occurs, your healthcare provider may advise you to stop treatment until your skin heals, apply it less often, or switch from 0.1 percent to 0.05 percent.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Tazorac Cream for plaque psoriasis, the most common side effects occurred in 10 percent to 23 percent of people. These included:
In clinical studies of Tazorac Gel for plaque psoriasis, the most common side effects occurred in 10 percent to 30 percent of people. These included:
Serious risks associated with Tazorac include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Almirall Advantage offers a savings card for Tazorac Cream. Eligible people with commercial insurance whose plans do not cover Tazorac may pay as little as $125 for a 30-gram tube.
People who are uninsured, have commercial coverage for Tazorac, or receive coverage through a federal- or state-funded healthcare program are not eligible. For questions, call 888-927-3499.
Before starting Tazorac, your doctor will do a pregnancy test if you are able to become pregnant. Pregnancy testing is recommended within two weeks before treatment begins.
Do not use Tazorac if you are allergic to tazarotene or any ingredient in the cream or gel.
Tell your doctor about the medicines and skin products you use. Some medicines can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid skin products that have a strong drying effect unless your doctor tells you to use them.
Tell your doctor if you have eczema or other skin problems. Do not apply Tazorac to skin with eczema because it may cause severe irritation.
Avoid or limit sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds during treatment. Tazorac may make your skin more likely to burn. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Do not apply Tazorac to sunburned skin. Wait until the sunburn has fully healed.
Tazorac is also FDA-approved to treat acne vulgaris.
Do not use Tazorac during pregnancy because it can harm your baby. Treatment should begin during a menstrual period, and you should use effective birth control during treatment. Stop using Tazorac and tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Tazorac Cream for psoriasis?
In two 12-week studies, Tazorac Cream 0.05 percent and 0.1 percent worked better than a vehicle cream with no active medicine for stable plaque psoriasis.
Tazorac Cream 0.1 percent showed a benefit as early as week 1, while 0.05 percent showed a benefit as early as week 2.
By week 12, more people using either strength reached “clinical success,” meaning their psoriasis lesions were rated as none, minimal, or mild. The 0.1 percent cream caused slightly more local skin irritation than the 0.05 percent cream.
How effective is Tazorac Gel for psoriasis?
In two 12-week studies, Tazorac Gel 0.05 percent and 0.1 percent worked better than a vehicle gel with no active medicine.
Both strengths reduced plaque elevation, scaling, and skin discoloration in people with plaque psoriasis affecting up to 20 percent of the body.
In general, side effects were 2 percent to 5 percent less common with the 0.05 percent gel than with the 0.1 percent gel.
What happens if Tazorac is used during pregnancy?
Tazorac should not be used during pregnancy because it may cause fetal harm.
Animal studies found birth defects, developmental problems, reduced fetal growth, and pregnancy loss after tazarotene exposure. Human pregnancy reports are too limited to determine the risk clearly.
If pregnancy occurs during treatment, stop using Tazorac and contact your healthcare provider right away.
On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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