What is the treatment regimen for Arazlo (tazarotene) for acne?

Arazlo (Tazarotene) Treatment Regimen for Acne

Apply tazarotene cream 0.1% once daily in the evening as a thin layer (2 mg/cm²) to cover the entire affected area after gently cleansing and drying the face. 1

Application Instructions

• Cleanse the face gently and ensure skin is completely dry before application 1
• Apply a thin film (2 mg/cm²) once daily in the evening to all skin areas where acne lesions appear—use enough to cover the entire affected area, not just individual lesions 1
• Wash hands thoroughly after application 1
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water 1

Timing Considerations for Optimal Use

• If bathing or showering, ensure skin is completely dry before applying tazarotene 1
• If using emollients or moisturizers, apply them at least one hour before tazarotene application 1
• Evening application is required due to photosensitivity concerns 1

Mandatory Sun Protection

• Use effective sunscreens daily and wear protective clothing during treatment, as tazarotene causes photosensitivity 1
• Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, and weather extremes 1
• Exercise caution if taking other photosensitizing medications concurrently 1

Managing Irritation and Tolerability

• Common side effects include desquamation, dry skin, erythema, and burning sensation, occurring in 10-30% of patients 1
• If excessive pruritus, burning, redness, or peeling occurs, either discontinue until skin integrity is restored or reduce dosing frequency to an interval the patient can tolerate 1
• Alternative strategies to minimize irritation include short-contact therapy (30-60 minutes), combination with moisturizers, or application on alternate days 2, 3, 4
• The cream formulation is better tolerated than gel formulations 5, 4

Combination Therapy Options

• Tazarotene can be safely combined with benzoyl peroxide formulations or dapsone 5% gel to enhance efficacy 5
• Combination with topical antibacterials is common practice for inflammatory acne 4
• The American Academy of Dermatology recommends multimodal therapy combining topical retinoids with benzoyl peroxide as first-line treatment for acne 6

Critical Contraindications and Warnings

• Tazarotene is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X) and can cause severe fetal harm 2, 1
• Females of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to starting therapy and use effective contraception during treatment 1
• Therapy should begin during a menstrual period 1
• Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients under 12 years of age 2

Expected Treatment Duration and Efficacy

• Clinical trials typically evaluate efficacy at 12 weeks of treatment 7, 8
• In one study, 53% of patients achieved remission by 12 weeks, with best results in grade 1 and grade 2 acne 8
• Tazarotene 0.1% demonstrates greater comedolytic activity than tretinoin 0.025% gel or adapalene 0.1% gel 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not apply to eczematous skin, as this may cause severe irritation 1
• Avoid applying to unaffected skin, which is more susceptible to irritation 1
• Do not use for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal purposes 1
• Efficacy at reduced frequency of application has not been established, so dosing adjustments should be made cautiously 1