Tazarotene skin cream (Cosmetic Use)

What is this medication?

TAZAROTENE (ta ZAR oh teen) is applied to the skin to treat facial wrinkles or certain types of dark or light colored spots on the face.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Avage

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Large area of burned or damaged skin
• Skin cancer
• Skin conditions or sensitivity
• An unusual or allergic reaction to tazarotene, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Use the medication for the full course as directed by your care team, even if you think you are better. Do not stop using it unless your care team tells you to stop it early.

Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 17 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• medicines that may dry your skin such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
• medicines that may increase your sensitivity to the sun such as tetracycline, thiazide diuretics, quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and others), phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine), and sulfa drugs
• vitamin A supplements

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

After using this medicine, you may notice itching, burning or stinging. This may happen less often as your skin gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor or health care professional if increased sensitivity or irritation occurs. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your condition gets worse.

Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control methods while using this medicine. It may cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine.

Use this medicine with caution if you are also using other products with a strong skin drying effect. This may include products with a high alcohol content, astringents, spices, the peel of lime or other citrus, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes, or any other preparations or processes that might dry or irritate your skin. Talk to doctor or health care professional before using these products.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.Avoid weather extremes because they may be more irritating to patients using this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in skin color
• deep grooves or lines in skin
• pain or tenderness of the skin
• severe burning, dryness, itching, reddening, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry skin
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• itching
• mild burning or stinging after applying
• red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature, but less than 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep tube tightly closed when not using. Throw away any unused cream after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.