TAZORAC GEL (TAZAROTENE)

Tazorac Gel Description

Tazorac Gel is a retinoid prodrug medicine derived from vitamin A and is prescribed for treating facial acne and plaque psoriasis. Prodrug means that once applied to your skin, it is absorbed into your skin cells and is converted into the active form called Tazarotene Acid. If you are concerned with the outbreaks and possible scarring from acne or the raised patches of red skin and flakey scales of plaque psoriasis, talk to your doctor about Tazorac Gel treatment .

Tazorac Gel Works to Relieve Acne Breakouts and Plaque Psoriasis

When applied as directed, the active form of Tazorac Gel will work by targeting and binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) found in the nucleus of cells. This helps to reduce the production of sebum (oil) from sebaceous glands which is a source of nutrition for bacteria that live within hair follicles and cause inflammation. Less food for bacteria means less bacteria, and less bacteria means less inflammation.

Tazorac Gel also increases the turnover of skin cells which is beneficial for those with plaque psoriasis as this means the old skin cells will fall off as new cells are coming to the surface. As an immune-mediated conditions, the plaques of psoriasis build up because new cells are being produced faster than the old cells can slough off.

Conditions Treated by Tazorac Gel

Applying Tazorac Gel to your face to treat acne, you may find that a short time after you have started the treatment, your acne appears to worsen. This is usually because as skin cells are shed, newly forming pimples become exposed in their early stages and this does not indicate that you have more acne from the topical medication you are using. This is why it could take 4-6 weeks before you start to see any improvement. Another benefit of using Tazorac Gel is that because it helps to shed old cells, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable and your skin looks and feels smoother and younger.

Before Receiving a Tazorac Gel Rx

There are potential hazards to using Tazorac Gel while you are pregnant, become pregnant during your treatment period, or if you are breast feeding so inform your doctor right away if any of these apply to you. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have and tell your doctor about any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal, dietary, or vitamin supplements. This can help determine if Tazorac Gel is right for you.

Tazorac Gel Recommendations

There are 2 strengths of Tazorac Gel to choose from. If you have a negative reaction to the .1% strength, talk to your doctor about .05%. Tazorac Gel could make your skin more sensitive to the effects of sunlight so take precautions to avoid sunburn and apply at least a 30 SPF sunscreen. If you apply other lotions or creams, make sure they are fully absorbed before applying Tazorac Gel or vice versa. Keep out of children’s reach and do not share any medications with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Tazorac Gel

• Redness
• Stinging
• Dry skin