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TAZORAC
tazarotene · Cream
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoid [EPC] | EPC | All 35 members |
| Retinoids [CS] | CS | All 35 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 021184-001 | TAZORAC | CREAM | TAZAROTENE | Prescription | AB | RLD RS | |
| 021184-002 | TAZORAC | CREAM | TAZAROTENE | Prescription | AB | RLD RS | |
| 021184-003 | AVAGE | CREAM | TAZAROTENE | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 9 | Labeling | Approved | July 21, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 8 | Labeling | Approved | September 16, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Labeling | Approved | December 13, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Efficacy | Approved | September 30, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Efficacy | Approved | October 11, 2001 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 3 - New Dosage Form | Approved | September 29, 2000 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · July 25, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · July 25, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · November 9, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · September 16, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · December 17, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · December 17, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · May 27, 2004
- 0 · Supplement · May 27, 2004
- 0 · Original application · March 28, 2004
- 0 · Supplement · January 15, 2004
- 0 · Supplement · December 12, 2001
- 0 · Supplement · October 24, 2001
- 0 · Supplement · October 24, 2001
- 0 · Original application · September 29, 2000
- 0 · Original application · September 29, 2000
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251113). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TAZORAC ® Cream 0.05% and 0.1% is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis. ( 1.1 ) TAZORAC Cream 0.1% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Plaque Psoriasis TAZORAC ® (tazarotene) Cream, 0.05% and 0.1% are indicated for the topical treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis. 1.2 Acne Vulgaris TAZORAC (tazarotene) Cream, 0.1% is also indicated for the topical treatment of patients with acne vulgaris.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin layer of TAZORAC Cream only to the affected area once daily in the evening. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. ( 2.2 ) If contact with eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions TAZORAC Cream is for topical use only. TAZORAC Cream is not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. If contact with mucous membranes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water [see Warnings and Precaution ( 5.2 )] . Wash hands thoroughly after application. 2.2 Psoriasis It is recommended that treatment starts with TAZORAC Cream, 0.05%, with strength increased to 0.1% if tolerated and medically indicated. Apply a thin film (2 mg/cm 2 ) of TAZORAC Cream once per day, in the evening, to cover only the psoriatic lesions. If a bath or shower is taken prior to application, the skin should be dry before applying the cream. If emollients are used, they should be applied at least an hour before application of TAZORAC Cream. Because unaffected skin may be more susceptible to irritation, application of TAZORAC Cream to these areas should be carefully avoided. 2.3 Acne Cleanse the face gently. After the skin is dry, apply a thin layer (2 mg/cm 2 ) of TAZORAC Cream 0.1% once per day, in the evening, to the skin areas where acne lesions appear. Use enough to cover the entire affected area. Use effective sunscreens and wear protective clothing while using TAZORAC Cream [see Warnings and Precaution ( 5.3 )] .
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Cream, 0.05% and 0.1%. Each gram of TAZORAC Cream, 0.05% and 0.1% contains 0.5 mg and 1 mg of tazarotene, respectively in a white cream base. Cream, 0.05% and 0.1%. ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS TAZORAC Cream is contraindicated in: Pregnancy. Retinoids may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )] . Individuals who have known hypersensitivity to any of its components [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Pregnancy ( 4 , 8.1 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Embryofetal Toxicity: TAZORAC Cream contains tazarotene, which is a teratogenic substance. TAZORAC Cream is contraindicated in pregnancy. Females of child-bearing potential should have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to initiating treatment and use an effective method of contraception during treatment. ( 5.1 ) Local Irritation: Some individuals may experience excessive pruritus, burning, skin redness or peeling. If these effects occur, discontinue until the integrity of the skin has been restored, or reduce dosing interval, or in the case of psoriasis, may switch to the lower concentration. TAZORAC Cream should not be used on eczematous skin, as it may cause severe irritation. ( 5.2 ) Photosensitivity and Risk for Sunburn: Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, and weather extremes. Wear sunscreen daily. TAZORAC Cream should be administered with caution if the patient is also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Embryofetal Toxicity Systemic exposure to tazarotenic acid is dependent upon the extent of the body surface area treated. In patients treated topically over sufficient body surface area, exposure could be in the same order of magnitude as in orally treated animals. Although there may be less systemic exposure in the treatment of acne of the face alone due to less surface area for application, tazarotene is a teratogenic substance, and it is not known what level of exposure is required for teratogenicity in humans [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . There were thirteen reported pregnancies in subjects who participated in the clinical trials for topical tazarotene. Nine of the subjects were found to have been treated with topical tazarotene, and the other four had been treated with vehicle. One of the subjects who was treated with tazarotene cream elected to terminate the pregnancy for non-medical reasons unrelated to treatment. The other eight pregnant women who were inadvertently exposed to topical tazarotene during clinical trials subsequently delivered apparently healthy babies. As the exact timing and extent of exposure in relation to the gestation times are not certain, the significance of these findings is unknown. Females of Child-bearing Potential Females of child-bearing potential should be warned of the potential risk and use adequate birth-control measures when TAZORAC Cream is used. The possibility that a female of child-bearing potential is pregnant at the time of institution of therapy should be considered. A negative result for pregnancy test should be obtained within 2 weeks prior to TAZORAC Cream therapy. TAZORAC Cream therapy should begin during a menstrual period [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . 5.2 Local Irritation and Hypersensitivity Reactions Local tolerability reactions (including blistering and skin desquamation) and hypersensitivity adverse reactions (including urticaria) have been observed with topical tazarotene. Application of TAZORAC Cream may cause excessive irritation in the skin of certain sensitive individuals. Some individuals may experience excessive pruritus, burning, skin redness or peeling. If these effects occur, the medication should either be discontinued until the integrity of the skin is restored, or the dosing should be reduced to an interval the patient can tolerate. However, efficacy at reduced frequency of application has not been established. Alternatively, patients with psoriasis who are being treated with the 0.1% concentration can be switched to the lower concentration. Frequency of application should be closely monitored by careful observation of the clinical therapeutic response and skin tolerance. Therapy can be resumed, or the drug concentration or frequency of application can be increased as the patient becomes able to tolerate treatment. Concomitant topical medications and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect should be avoided. It is also advisable to "rest" a patient's skin until the …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Embryofetal toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Photosensitivity and Risk of Sunburn [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Plaque psoriasis: Most common adverse reactions occurring in 10 to 23% of patients are pruritus, erythema, and burning. ( 6.1 ) Acne Vulgaris: Most common adverse reactions occurring in 10 to 30% of patients are desquamation, dry skin, erythema, and burning sensation. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Allergan at 1-800-678-1605 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In human dermal safety trials, TAZORAC Cream, 0.05% and 0.1% did not induce allergic contact sensitization, phototoxicity, or photoallergy. Psoriasis The most frequent adverse reactions reported with TAZORAC Cream, 0.05% and 0.1% occurring in 10 to 23% of subjects, in descending order, included pruritus, erythema, and burning. Reactions occurring in greater than 1 to less than 10% of subjects, in descending order, included irritation, desquamation, stinging, contact dermatitis, dermatitis, eczema, worsening of psoriasis, skin pain, rash, hypertriglyceridemia, dry skin, skin inflammation, and peripheral edema. TAZORAC Cream, 0.1% was associated with a greater degree of local irritation than the 0.05% cream. The rates of irritation adverse reactions reported during psoriasis trials with TAZORAC Cream, 0.1% were 0.1-0.4% higher than those reported for TAZORAC Cream, 0.05%. Acne The most frequent adverse reactions reported during clinical trials with TAZORAC Cream 0.1% in the treatment of acne, occurring in 10-30% of subjects, in descending order included desquamation, dry skin, erythema, and burning sensation. Reactions occurring in 1 to 5% of subjects included pruritus, irritation, face pain, and stinging. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of tazarotene. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : blister, dermatitis, urticaria, skin exfoliation, skin discoloration (including skin hyperpigmentation or skin hypopigmentation), swelling at or near application sites, and pain.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No formal drug-drug interaction studies were conducted with TAZORAC Cream. In a trial of 27 healthy female subjects between the ages of 20–55 years receiving a combination oral contraceptive tablet containing 1 mg norethindrone and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol, concomitant use of tazarotene administered as 1.1 mg orally (mean ± SD C max and AUC 0-24 of tazarotenic acid were 28.9 ± 9.4 ng/mL and 120.6 ± 28.5 ng • hr/mL) did not affect the pharmacokinetics of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol over a complete cycle. The impact of tazarotene on the pharmacokinetics of progestin only oral contraceptives (i.e., minipills) has not been evaluated.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on data from animal reproduction studies, retinoid pharmacology, and the potential for systemic absorption, TAZORAC Cream may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Safety in pregnant females has not been established. The potential risk to the fetus outweighs the potential benefit to the mother from TAZORAC Cream during pregnancy; therefore, TAZORAC Cream should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is recognized [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Limited case reports of pregnancy in females enrolled in clinical trials for TAZORAC Cream have not established a clear association with tazarotene and major birth defects or miscarriage risk. Because the exact timing and extent of exposure in relation to the gestational age are not certain, the significance of these findings is unknown. In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rats, tazarotene dosed topically during organogenesis at 2 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of tazarotene cream, 0.1% resulted in reduced fetal body weights and reduced skeletal ossification. In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rabbits dosed topically with tazarotene gel at 26 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%, there was a single incident of known retinoid malformations, including spina bifida, hydrocephaly, and heart anomalies. In animal reproduction studies with pregnant rats and rabbits, tazarotene dosed orally during organogenesis at 2 and 52 times, respectively, the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1% resulted in malformations, fetal toxicity, developmental delays, and/or behavioral delays. In pregnant rats, tazarotene dosed orally prior to mating through early gestation resulted in decreased litter size, decreased numbers of live fetuses, decreased fetal body weights, and increased malformations at doses approximately 7 times higher than the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1% [see Data ]. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In rats, a tazarotene gel, 0.05% formulation dosed topically during gestation days 6 through 17 at 0.25 mg/kg/day, which represented 2 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1% ( i.e. , 2 mg/cm 2 over a 15% body surface area), resulted in reduced fetal body weights and reduced skeletal ossification. Rabbits dosed topically with 0.25 mg/kg/day tazarotene gel, which represented 26 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%, during gestation days 6 through 18, had a single incident of known retinoid malformations, including spina bifida, hydrocephaly, and heart anomalies. When tazarotene was given orally to animals, developmental delays were seen in rats, and malformations and post-implantation loss were observed in rats and rabbits at doses representing 2 and 52 times, respectively, the maximum systemic exposure seen in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%. In female rats orally administered 2 mg/kg/day of tazarotene from 15 days before mating through gestation day 7, which represented 7 times the maximum systemic exposure in subjects treated with the MRHD of tazarotene cream, 0.1%, classic developmental effects of retinoids were observed including decreased number of implantation sites, decreased …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Tazarotene is a retinoid prodrug which is converted to its active form, the carboxylic acid of tazarotene, by deesterification. Tazarotenic acid binds to all three members of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) family: RARα, RARβ, and RARɣ, but shows relative selectivity for RARβ, and RARɣ and may modify gene expression. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION TAZORAC (tazarotene) Cream, 0.05% and 0.1% is for topical use and contains the active ingredient, tazarotene. Each gram of TAZORAC Cream, 0.05% and 0.1% contains 0.5 and 1 mg of tazarotene, respectively in a white cream base. Tazarotene is a member of the acetylenic class of retinoids. Chemically, tazarotene is ethyl 6-[(4,4-dimethylthiochroman-6-yl) ethynyl]nicotinate. The compound has an empirical formula of C 21 H 21 NO 2 S and molecular weight of 351.46. The structural formula is shown below: TAZORAC Cream contains the following inactive ingredients: benzyl alcohol 1%; carbomer 1342; carbomer homopolymer type B; edetate disodium; medium chain triglycerides; mineral oil; purified water; sodium hydroxide; sodium thiosulfate; and sorbitan monooleate. CHEMICAL-STRUCTURE
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Excessive topical use of TAZORAC Cream, 0.05% and 0.1% may lead to marked redness, peeling, or discomfort [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . TAZORAC Cream, 0.05% and 0.1% are not for oral use. Oral ingestion of the drug may lead to the same adverse effects as those associated with excessive oral intake of Vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A) or other retinoids. If oral ingestion occurs, the patient should be monitored, and appropriate supportive measures should be administered as necessary.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING TAZORAC Cream is a white cream available in concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1%. It is supplied in a collapsible aluminum tube with a tamper-evident aluminum membrane over the opening and a white polypropylene screw cap, in 30 g and 60 g sizes. TAZORAC Cream, 0.05% TAZORAC Cream, 0.1% 30 g NDC 16110-915-30 NDC 16110-916-30 60 g NDC 16110-915-60 NDC 16110-916-60 Storage: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions permitted from -5°C to 30°C (23°F to 86°F).
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: TAZAROTENE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16110-915-30 | 16110-915 | Almirall, LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (16110-915-30) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | February 3, 2020 |
| 16110-915-60 | 16110-915 | Almirall, LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (16110-915-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | February 3, 2020 |
| 16110-916-30 | 16110-916 | Almirall, LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (16110-916-30) / 30 g in 1 TUBE | February 3, 2020 |
| 16110-916-60 | 16110-916 | Almirall, LLC | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (16110-916-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | February 3, 2020 |
| 16110-915 | 16110-915 | Almirall, LLC | — | February 3, 2020 |
| 16110-916 | 16110-916 | Almirall, LLC | — | February 3, 2020 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.