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Fabior

Generic name: tazarotene topicalta-ZAR-oh-teen ]
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 20, 2023.

What is Fabior?

Fabior is a compound similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and may improve the appearance and texture of skin.

Fabior foam is used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.

It is not known if Fabior foam is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

Warnings

Tazarotene can cause birth defects. Do not use this medicine you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy.

Stop using Fabior and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period. Women who use tazarotene should start the medication during a menstrual period.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Tazarotene can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors. Do not use the foam on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using this medicine.

Ask a doctor before using other skin products that might dry or irritate your skin.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Fabior foam if you are allergic to tazarotene, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting this treatment.

To make sure Fabior is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Do not use Fabior if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

Stop using Fabior and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Avage should not be used on anyone younger than 17 years old. Fabior should not be used to treat acne in a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I use Fabior?

Fabior foam is usually applied once daily in the evening or at bedtime. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Also avoid using this medicine in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using Fabior.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Women who use tazarotene should start the medication during a menstrual period.

Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

Shake the Fabior foam well just before each use.

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind during treatment with this medicine. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Fabior foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty foam canister. Store the bottle in an upright position.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Apply a thin layer of 0.1% foam once a day in the evening to cover acne lesions.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

Age: 12 years or older:
Apply a thin layer of 0.1% foam once a day in the evening to cover acne lesions

Comments:
-Cleanse the face gently and dry before application.
-Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using this medicine.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of tazarotene may cause severe skin discomfort. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using Fabior?

Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with Fabior unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Tazarotene can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

Fabior side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Fabior: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Fabior and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Fabior side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Fabior?

If you also use a benzoyl peroxide acne medication, do not use it at the same time you use Fabior. Apply one medication only in the morning and the other only in the evening.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with tazarotene topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

Tazarotene and tretinoin work about the same when applied to the skin to treat acne, but Tazarotene works faster and in one study worked more effectively for some signs of sun damaged skin and the signs of aging. They are also similar in terms of the side effects they cause, although tazarotene may cause more irritation when treatment is first started. Tretinoin tends to be cheaper than tazarotene Continue reading

Tazarotene improves the look and feel of your skin. It is used to treat skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. It may also reduce fine lines, wrinkles and patches of skin discoloration. This topical medication is in the class of drugs known as retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. Continue reading

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Fabior only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.