General Information

Tazorac (tazarotene) is a retinoid

Tazorac Gel, 0.05% and 0.1% is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of up to 20% body surface area involvement.

Tazorac Gel, 0.1% is indicated for the topical treatment of mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris

Tazorac  Cream 0.05% and 0.1% is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Tazorac Cream 0.1% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. 

Apply a thin layer of Tazorac Gel or cream only to the affected area once daily in the evening. If contact with eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

Mechanism of Action

Tazorac is a receptor-selective retinoid. The gel is thought to normalize epidermal differentiation, reducing the influx of inflammatory cells into the skin. Its topical delivery targets the skin where these processes occur. Synthetic retinoids are vitamin A analogs and are thought to play a role in skin cell differentiation and proliferation.

Side Effects

Adverse effects associated with the use of Tazorac may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Plaque Psoriasis:

• pruritus
• burning/stinging
• erythema
• worsening of psoriasis
• irritation
• skin pain

Acne Vulgaris:

• desquamation
• burning/stinging
• dry skin
• erythema
• pruritus

Clinical Trial Results

Tazorac showed treatment success in up to 70% of patients with stable plaque psoriasis when the gel was applied topically once a day. Tazorac gel showed rapid clinical improvement in plaque psoriasis and sustained a therapeutic effect for up to 12 weeks after treatment. Results from more than 1,400 patients found that up to 70% of patients with trunk limb plaque psoriasis and 60% with knee/elbow plaque psoriasis experienced treatment success, which was defined as good, excellent, or complete clearing of psoriasis. For treatment of common acne, the 0.1% gel demonstrated good to excellent efficacy in up to 70% of patients.