Tazorac Side Effects

Generic name: tazarotene topical

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 14, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Tazorac.

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 Tazorac.

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:

• Any topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (such as benzoyl peroxide).
• Hair products that are irritating, such as permanents or hair removal products.
• Skin products that cause sensitivity to the sun, such as those containing spices or limes.
• Skin products containing a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions.
• Skin products that are too drying or abrasive, such as some cosmetics, soaps, or skin cleansers.

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

Serious side effects of Tazorac

Along with its needed effects, tazarotene topical (the active ingredient contained in Tazorac) 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:

Other side effects of Tazorac

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:

For healthcare professionals

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

Dermatologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Desquamation (29%), dry skin (27%), erythema (21%), burning sensation (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, irritation, nonspecific rash, irritant contact dermatitis, skin pain, worsening of psoriasis, stinging sensation, inflammation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cheilitis, excoriated skin, eczema, erythema sun-induced, papules, skin tightness, worsened acne
• Postmarketing reports: Blister, dermatitis, urticaria, skin exfoliation, swelling at or near application sites, skin discoloration (including skin hyperpigmentation or skin hypopigmentation)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertriglyceridemia^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Facial pain^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Eyelid edema, eyelid irritation, eyelid inflammation^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Infection^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pharyngitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache, hypesthesia^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
• Is tazarotene better than tretinoin?
• Is Tazorac the same as Retin-A?
• Does Tazorac help with acne scars?
• How long does it take Tazorac to work?
• What are the different brands of tazarotene?
• Tazorac Cream vs Gel: What's the difference?
• Does Tazorac cause purging?
• Can Tazorac and Differin be used together?

Further information

Tazorac 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.

Medical Disclaimer