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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tazarotene topical (Avage, Tazorac)?

Do not use tazarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you

• are especially sensitive to sunlight;
• spend a considerable amount of time in the sun;
• have eczema, sunburn, or another skin condition;
• are taking vitamin A;
• lentigo maligna (a type of skin cancer);
• are using other prescription or over-the-counter medicines on your skin; or
• are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins and herbal supplements.

You may not be able to use tazarotene topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether tazarotene topical passes into breast milk. Do not use tazarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use tazarotene topical (Avage, Tazorac)?

Use tazarotene topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication (unless affected areas are on the hands).

Tazarotene topical is usually applied once daily at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser and allow it to dry completely (20 to 30 minutes). If a bath or shower is taken prior to application of tazarotene topical, the skin should be dry before applying the gel or cream. Apply a thin film of tazarotene topical to the affected skin. Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

If a cream or lotion is used to soften or lubricate the skin, it can be applied either before or after application of tazarotene topical. Allow the first cream or lotion applied to be absorbed into the skin and dry completely before application of the second product.

Do not apply tazarotene topical to the eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, angles of the nose, mucous membranes, open sores, or irritated skin. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water.

Do not use tazarotene topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using tazarotene topical.

Do not cover treated areas with dressings or bandages.

Do not apply tazarotene topical more often than is directed. Using too much of this medication may cause marked skin redness, peeling, or discomfort and will not lead to more rapid or better results.

Application of this medication may cause a passing feeling of burning or stinging. If irritation is excessive, stop using tazarotene topical and contact your doctor.

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind during treatment with tazarotene topical. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.

Apply a sunscreen, SPF 15 or greater, to the skin daily.

Do not use tazarotene topical beyond the date printed on the bottom seal of the tube.

Store tazarotene topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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