Halobetasol propionate; tazarotene topical lotion

What is this medication?

HALOBETASOL; TAZAROTENE (hal oh BAY ta sol; ta ZAR oh teen) is applied to the skin to treat plaque psoriasis.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Duobrii

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

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

• any type of active infection
• sensitivity to the sun or sunburn
• skin cancer or family history of skin cancer
• skin conditions or sensitivity
• thinning of skin
• an unusual or allergic reaction to halobetasol, corticosteroids, tazarotene, vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film of medicine to the affected area. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. It is important not to use more medicine than prescribed. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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. 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 a 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. 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:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• lack of healing of the skin condition
• severe burning, dryness, itching, reddening, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas

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

• burning, itching, or irritation of the skin
• increased sensitivity to the sun

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 between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine 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.