Halobetasol; Tazarotene Lotion

What is this medication?

HALOBETASOL; TAZAROTENE (hal oh BAY ta sol; ta ZAR oh teen) treats psoriasis. It works by decreasing inflammation and slowing down the growth of skin cells. This reduces redness and swelling, as well as scaling of the skin. It is a combination of a steroid and a retinoid.

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:

• Diabetes
• Large areas of burned or damaged skin
• Liver disease
• Low adrenal gland function
• Skin conditions or disease
• Skin infection
• An unusual or allergic reaction to halobetasol, tazarotene, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

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. If you are treating your hands, only wash your hands before use. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes out 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 or for a longer time period than prescribed by your care team. Keep using it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Shake bottle prior to use. Apply a thin film to the affected area and rub gently. Do not bandage or wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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?

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin
• Diuretics
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine
• Salicylic acid
• 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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.

Do not use other products that dry the skin. Examples include abrasive cleaners or products with alcohol in them. Do not use other products on the same areas of the skin as this one unless your care team tells you to use both.

Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

This medication 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 sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
• Fragile or thinning skin that bruises easily
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Skin infection—skin redness, swelling, warmth, or pain
• Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas
• Small, red, pus-filled bumps on skin around hair follicles
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision lossSide effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
• Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
• Unexpected hair growth at application site

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 and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

Get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.