GENERIC NAME: TAZAROTENE CREAM - TOPICAL (tah-ZAIR-oh-teen)
BRAND NAME(S): Avage
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is a retinoid product related to Vitamin A. It is used to reduce fine wrinkles and dark and light spots on your face. It is important to use this medication with a total skin care program and avoid exposure to sunlight.
HOW TO USE: For external use only. Apply only on your face, once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Remove any make-up, gently wash your face with a mild cleanser, and pat skin dry. Wait at least 20 minutes to make sure your face is dry before applying a small, pea-sized amount (about 1/4 inch wide) of medication. Apply in a thin layer over wrinkles and discolored spots. Wash your hands after using the medication. In the morning, apply a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. You may use a moisturizing cream or lotion on your face before or after you apply this medication. Make sure that either the moisturizer or medication has been absorbed into your skin, and that your skin is dry before you apply the second product. Keep this medication away from the eyes and mouth. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not use more of this product or use it more often than directed. Using more medication than recommended will not give faster or better results and may lead to more side effects. Do not use this medication on sunburned or irritated skin, undiagnosed skin lesions, or skin affected by eczema. Consult your doctor for more information. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you use this medication and with each refill because there may be new information.
SIDE EFFECTS: Itching, burning/stinging, redness, irritation, dryness or peeling of the skin may occur. Cold and windy weather may increase skin irritation. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: worsening of the original skin problem, skin rash or cracking, discoloration or bleeding of the skin. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, severe itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Wrinkles - Learn more about wrinkles, which typically appear on areas of the body that receive a high amount of exposure to the sun. Smoking, light skin type, hairstyle, the way you dress, your occupational and recreational habits, and heredity are all factors that promote wrinkling. Medical treatments for wrinkles include antioxidants, moisturizers, alpha-hydroxy acids, and vitamin A acid. Cosmetic procedures that treat wrinkles include dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, glycolic acid peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and fillers.
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