Tazorac Cream treats certain skin conditions due to sun damage, including psoriasis, acne, and skin aging. It is a retinoid product related to Vitamin A. It is thought to work by affecting skin cell growth. This medication should be used with a total skin care program for the best effect.

Tazorac Cream comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. To use the Tazorac Cream:

• At bedtime, gently wash your face with mild soap. Rinse and pat your skin dry. Remove any makeup before applying the cream to the face.
• Apply a pea-sized amount to cover your face lightly, including the eyelids, if desired. Do not get any cream into your eyes. If contact occurs, rinse with water.
• Wash your hands after applying the cream.
• You may apply moisturizing sunscreen in the morning and wear protective clothing while using this medicine.
• You can also use a cream or lotion to soften or moisturize your skin before or after you apply Tazorac Cream.

Before using Tazorac Cream, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions and allergies to it, vitamin A-related drugs, or any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. 

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor immediately if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before using this medication, wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn. Wind or cold weather may also irritate the skin while using this medication.

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby.

More common side effects of Tazorac Cream include:

• Burning or stinging of the skin (severe)
• changes in the color of the treated skin
• deep grooves or lines in the skin
• dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (severe)
• pain or swelling of the treated skin
• skin rash (in patients with psoriasis only)

Incidence not known

• Blistering, crusting, or irritation of the skin
• cracked, dry, scaly skin
• flaking and falling off of the skin
• swelling at or near the application site

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may disappear during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your healthcare professional can tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Can you remove hair while using Tazorac Cream?

Avoid electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using Tazorac Cream.

Is it safe for pregnant women to use Tazorac Cream?

Tazorac Cream must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test within two weeks before starting this medication.

How should women begin their Tazorac Cream?

Tazorac Cream should be started during a normal menstrual period. Discuss using reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms and birth control pills) with your doctor.