From the Guidelines
Tazarotene lotion is a prescription topical retinoid medication used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis, primarily by normalizing abnormal keratinocyte differentiation, diminishing hyperproliferation, and decreasing expression of inflammatory markers 1.
Key Points
- Tazarotene is available in various concentrations and formulations, including cream and gel, and is typically applied once daily to affected areas.
- The medication can cause skin irritation, dryness, redness, and peeling, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, and may increase sun sensitivity 1.
- Tazarotene is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be discontinued if pregnancy is recognized, with a negative pregnancy test required 2 weeks before starting treatment in women of childbearing age 1.
- The combination of tazarotene with topical corticosteroids may be beneficial in reducing irritation and increasing efficacy, while also potentially reducing the amount of topical corticosteroids needed and limiting atrophy produced by corticosteroids 1.
Usage and Efficacy
- Tazarotene is recommended for use in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis, with treatment typically lasting 8 to 12 weeks 1.
- The medication has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of psoriasis, including hyperkeratosis, oil spots, and salmon patches, with a synergistic effect observed when used in combination with topical corticosteroids 1.
- Patients should be counseled to discontinue tazarotene if they become pregnant, and no human data are available on excretion in human milk 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Definition and Mechanism of Tazarotene
- Tazarotene is a receptor-selective retinoid, which is efficacious in the treatment of patients with psoriasis, acne vulgaris, and photoaging 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It normalizes keratinocyte differentiation, reverses keratinocyte hyperproliferation, and has anti-inflammatory effects 2, 4, 6.
Forms and Uses of Tazarotene
- Tazarotene is available in gel and cream formulations, and has been used both as monotherapy and as an adjuvant therapy 3, 5.
- It is approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and acne vulgaris, and has also been used to treat photoaging, basal cell carcinomas, and various keratinization disorders 3.
Efficacy and Safety of Tazarotene
- Clinical studies have shown that tazarotene is effective in reducing lesion counts and improving symptoms of psoriasis and acne vulgaris 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Adverse events associated with tazarotene therapy are primarily skin-associated events, such as irritation, peeling, erythema, dryness, burning, and itching 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Combination therapy with tazarotene and mid-to-high potency topical corticosteroids or phototherapy can enhance efficacy and reduce adverse events 2, 3, 5.