Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently asked questions about acne and TAZORAC® (tazarotene) Cream and Gel 0.1%

What is acne?

Acne is caused by glands under your skin that are attached to hair follicles—tiny structures that are the points from which hair grows. These glands produce an oil-like substance known as sebum. Acne develops when these glands cannot push excess oil, dead cells, and bacteria to the surface of your skin.

Who gets acne?

Anyone can get acne, but the majority of patients tend to be teenagers and women in their 20s and 30s.

What causes acne?

A variety of factors may affect the frequency and severity of your acne including hormonal changes and heredity. Although a healthy diet is desirable, chocolate, potato chips, and ice cream do not cause acne. Oils that cause acne come from under your skin, not from your diet.

What kind of acne does TAZORAC® Cream or Gel 0.1% treat?

What results can I expect from TAZORAC®?

You’ll know after the recommended 12-week treatment plan. Studies with TAZORAC® Cream and Gel 0.1% show good results on most people.

Most people notice an improvement in their acne after 4 weeks. For many others, their skin may appear to look worse. If you’re part of the latter group, you may experience peeling, burning, dry skin, redness, or itching. This is very common, so don't give up treatment if these side effects occur.

Be patient and stick with TAZORAC® as prescribed by your doctor for the entire 12 weeks. Give the medicine time to work.

Always apply moisturizer before spreading that pea-sized dose of TAZORAC® Cream and Gel 0.1% to minimize drying and irritation by restoring the skin’s protective barrier.

Contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

Can I use TAZORAC® Cream or Gel 0.1% if I’m pregnant?

TAZORAC® (tazarotene) Cream and Gel 0.1% should not be used if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or at risk of becoming pregnant. If you are a woman in your childbearing years, you should make sure that you use adequate birth control measures while being treated with TAZORAC®. If you become pregnant while using TAZORAC® Cream or Gel 0.1%, you should stop treatment immediately and call your doctor.

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TAZORAC® (tazarotene) Cream 0.1% is indicated for acne vulgaris.
TAZORAC® (tazarotene) Gel 0.1% is indicated for mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris.

Important Safety Information

Warnings

Retinoids may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Do not use TAZORAC® Cream and Gel if you are pregnant, attempting to become pregnant or at high risk of pregnancy. Consult your physician for adequate birth control measures if you are a female of child-bearing potential. To help assure that you are not pregnant when you begin use, take a pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to beginning to use TAZORAC® Cream or Gel and/or begin taking TAZORAC® Cream or Gel during a normal menstrual period.

TAZORAC® Cream and Gel should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please see complete Information for Patients for a list of ingredients.

Precautions

TAZORAC® Cream and Gel should not be used if you are also taking other drugs that increase your sensitivity to sunlight (e.g., thiazides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines, sulfonamides). Inform your physician if you are taking any other medications. Use protective clothing and sunscreens of at least SPF 15 during the day when using TAZORAC® Cream and Gel. Do not use TAZORAC® Cream and Gel if you have sunburn, eczema, or other continuing skin condition. Use TAZORAC® Cream and Gel with caution if you are using other topical products that might dry or irritate the skin.

The most common side effects of TAZORAC® Cream and Gel 0.1% are peeling, burning/stinging, dry skin, red skin, and itching.

Please click here for full prescribing information for TAZORAC® Cream and Gel 0.1%.

  
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