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Avage Side Effects

Generic name: tazarotene topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 14, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Avage.

Applies to tazarotene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion Side Effects associated with tazarotene topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Avage.

Applies to tazarotene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

To make sure you are not pregnant when you start using this medicine, you may need to start using it during a normal menstrual period. Also, you must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you start using this medicine.

If you are using this medicine to treat acne on the face, your condition may seem to worsen at first before it begins to improve in about 4 weeks. Check with your doctor if your condition does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

If you are using this medicine to treat psoriasis, scaly patches on the skin may begin to improve in about 1 to 4 weeks but redness may take longer to improve. Check with your doctor if your condition becomes worse.

Avoid exposing your skin to wind, cold weather, and sunlight, even on cloudy days. Your skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed. Use a sunscreen or sunblock lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on a regular basis. Wear protective clothing and hats and stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Skin reactions such as dryness, redness, scaling, burning, or stinging can occur when you use this medicine. Use a moisturizer as needed to lessen these skin problems.

It is likely that your skin may become irritated with normal use of this medicine. You should not stop using tazarotene unless your skin becomes too red, dry, puffy, or otherwise irritated. If severe irritation occurs, contact your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should avoid skin products that can dry or irritate the skin. Some examples are:

Ask your doctor before taking vitamin A supplements by mouth while using this medicine.

Serious side effects of Avage

Along with its needed effects, tazarotene topical (the active ingredient contained in Avage) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tazarotene topical:

More common side effects

  • burning or stinging of the skin (severe)
  • changes in 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

Other side effects of Avage

Some side effects of tazarotene topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • burning or stinging after application
  • dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (mild)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tazarotene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical lotion.

Dermatologic adverse events

Metabolic

Other

Ocular

Immunologic

Respiratory

Nervous system

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Tazorac (tazarotene topical)." Allergan Inc

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Avage side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.