Arazlo (Tazarotene)

Brand name: Arazlo
Generic name: Tazarotene
Used for: Treat acne vulgaris (acne)
Availability: Brand Arazlo lotion (Bausch Health) 0.045%/45 gm

How Tazarotene Works

Tazarotene is used on the skin to treat people 10 years of age and older with acne vulgaris (acne). It is recommended that for children 10 to less than 12 years of age, Arazlo should be used on the face only. Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that begins with the formation of a plug in the hair follicles. The plug is made up of surface skin, oil and bacteria. It is seen as a whitehead or blackhead. After the formation of the plug, oil in the gland escapes into the surrounding skin and causes inflammation which is seen as papules, pustules, or cysts. Arazlo works by helping the normal growth of the skin cells (keratinocytes) and reducing skin inflammation in acne. Your acne should improve as you continue to use Arazlo. Use Arazlo exactly as your doctor tells you to use it. Arazlo is for skin use only. Do not use Arazlo in your eyes, nose, mouth or other mucous membranes.

Tazarotene Possible Side Effects

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects and they are severe and bothersome. Most of the side effect are manageable and may go away on their own.
• Back and joint pain;
• Dryness;
• Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction): fever, skin rash, hives, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes;
• Infections and infestations: viral and upper respiratory tract infection (headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, fever);
• Peeling;
• Painful menstrual periods;
• Redness, itching;
• Skin irritation at the application site: red, sore or peeling skin; burning/stinging sensation; severe itching and/or dryness;
• Sensitivity to sunlight, risk of sunburn

Tazarotene Guidelines

Do not use Arazlo if you:
• Are allergic to other retinoic compounds or any ingredient found in Arazlo;
• Are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant;
• Have a skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis;
• Have eczema or any other skin problems (such as skin irritation or sunburnt skin).

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Arazlo about any health conditions or problems you may have. Arazlo can increase your chances of having sunburns. If you are going to be exposed to sunlight, you should use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 and wear clothes that can protect you from the sun. This includes sunlamps. Tell your doctor if you spend a lot of time in the sun, or if you sunburn easily. If you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding talk to your healthcare professional. Arazlo may harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines. The medicines that may interact with Arazlo include:
• Drugs that make your skin more sensitive to the sun such as thiazides (diuretics), antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines or sulfonamides);
• Drugs that are applied to the skin or cosmetics that have a strong drying effect (products with high amounts of alcohol, astringents, spices, lime peel, medicated soaps or shampoos);
• Products containing benzoyl peroxide.