Tazarotene (Topical Route)

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Proper Use

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause irritation of the skin.

Read the patient information that will come with your medicine.

For acne—Before applying tazarotene to acne areas of the skin, wash the skin with a mild soap or cleanser and warm water, then gently pat dry. Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes before applying this medicine.

For acne or psoriasis—Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away form these areas when applying

Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds.

When using tazarotene, apply medicine to dry skin. If skin has just been washed and dried, wait at least 20 to 30 minutes before applying this medicine. Applying to wet or damp skin may cause skin irritation.

Apply a thin layer of this medicine only to lesions of psoriasis on the body or areas on face prone to developing acne. Rub medicine in gently and well. Wash medicine off skin areas not intended to be treated.

After applying the medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that might remain on them.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (gel):
  • For acne:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply 0.1% tazarotene to clean, dry affected areas of the face once a day, usually in the evening or at bedtime.
    • Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  • For psoriasis:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply 0.05% or 0.1% tazarotene to dry affected areas of the body once a day, usually in the evening or at bedtime. Do not treat a larger area of the skin than your doctor tells you to treat.
    • Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
• For topical dosage form (cream):
  • For psoriasis:
    • Adults and children 18 years of age and older—Apply 0.05% or 0.1% tazarotene to dry affected areas of the body once a day, usually in the evening or at bedtime. Do not treat a larger area of the skin than your doctor tells you to treat.
    • Children up to 18 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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