tazarotene (cosmetic) - topical, Avage

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 or 0.6 centimeter 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.Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

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.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using tazarotene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (e.g., eczema, sunburn, sun sensitivity, undiagnosed skin lesions).This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing and a hat when outdoors.This drug must not be used during pregnancy due to the potential for harm to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, stop using this drug and inform your doctor immediately. Before starting this medication, women who could become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test result within the last 2 weeks. This medication should be started during a normal menstrual period. Women should also use reliable birth control while using this drug. Consult your doctor before starting this medication.It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of other drugs that can cause sun sensitivity: phenothiazine-type medications (e.g., chlorpromazine), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), sulfa antibiotics, tetracycline, thiazide water pills (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), vitamin A supplements.Report the use of other skin care products (or drugs) with a strong drying effect or high alcohol content, as well as medicated soaps and vitamin A products.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include increased skin dryness and peeling.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage from 23 to 86 degrees F (-5 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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