It goes without saying how frustrating it is to live with a skin condition. Especially when you have a condition like Plaque Psoriasis, which causes flaky, red, and itchy skin, it can be very frustrating. So, in times like these, your doctor may prescribe a slightly harsh, but very effective medication. Today, we are going to talk about one such medication. That is, a cream made from a combination of two drugs called Halobetasol and Tazarotene.
What are Halobetasol and Tazarotene?
Simply put, this is a skin cream. We use it to treat plaque psoriasis . There are two main things in this cream.
1. Halobetasol: This is a very strong corticosteroid . It works by reducing swelling, redness, and itching in the skin.
2. Tazarotene: This is a medication related to vitamin A. It works by controlling the rate of skin cell growth and reducing the thickening and peeling of the skin caused by psoriasis.
When these two are combined, they can be very effective in controlling the symptoms of scabies. You may see this under a brand name like Duobrii.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is very important. Before you start using this medicine, you should talk to your doctor about this clearly. Because this medicine is not suitable for everyone.
It is very important for your own safety to give your doctor a complete explanation of your health condition.
If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it:
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy . It may harm the unborn baby. Therefore, you will need to have a pregnancy test before starting this medicine.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also talk to your doctor about using this medication while breastfeeding.
- If you have any type of infection: If you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection on the skin, this medicine may make it worse.
- If your skin is sensitive to the sun or has sunburned: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. So if you already have such a problem, tell your doctor .
- If you have skin cancer or a family history of skin cancer: It is also important to inform your doctor about this.
- If you have thin skin or other skin conditions: The steroid in this medicine may cause the skin to become even thinner.
- If you are allergic to these medications or vitamin A: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Halobetasol, Tazarotene, other corticosteroids, vitamin A, or other medications, foods, or dyes.
How to use the medicine correctly?
Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly. The most important thing is to do it exactly as the doctor says.
1. For topical use only: This is not an oral medication. Do not take by mouth or ingest it for any reason.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
3. Clean and dry the skin: Before applying the medicine, clean the affected area and let it dry thoroughly.
4. Apply as a thin film: Do not apply too much. Take a small amount of the medicine and apply it as a thin film only on the affected areas. Do not apply it on healthy skin.
5. Avoid contact with eyes: Be careful not to get it in sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water immediately.
6. Do not apply bandages: Do not apply the medicine and cover it with a bandage or other dressing unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.
7. Do not use more than the prescribed amount: Do not use more than the prescribed amount or frequency as directed by your doctor. Doing so will not speed up healing, but may increase side effects.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose .
What if it is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
It is very important to be aware of these things for your safety while using this medicine.
- Be careful of the sun: This medicine makes your skin very sensitive to the sun. The harsh sun in our country can easily burn your skin. Therefore, reduce your exposure to the sun as much as possible. If you go out, wear long-sleeved clothes, a hat, and use a good sunscreen after consulting your doctor. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds.
- Avoid pregnancy: As mentioned earlier, you should use a highly effective form of birth control while using this medication and for as long as your doctor tells you to after you stop. Talk to your doctor about this openly.
- Be careful with other things that dry out your skin: When using this medicine, using other things that dry out your skin can damage your skin. For example, be careful with harsh soaps, alcohol-based lotions, some shampoos, applying things like lime to your skin, hair removers, and waxing. Ask your doctor before using these.
- If the condition worsens: If your skin condition gets worse instead of better despite using the medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Severe skin reactions | Unbearable burning, dryness, itching, redness, peeling, or swelling in the areas where the medicine was applied. |
| Skin condition not improving | The skin disease does not improve or gets worse despite using medication. |
| Vision changes | Although rare, if you experience a change in vision such as blurred vision. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin discomfort | Mild burning, itching, or tingling of the skin may occur during the initial application of the medication. |
| Sun sensitivity | Skin that quickly turns red or burns when exposed to the sun. |
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It's also important to tell your doctor about any other medications, creams, or vitamins you're using, as some things can interact with this medication.
| Type of collision | Examples |
|---|---|
| Other medications that dry the skin | Acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. |
| Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight | Antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Thiazide diuretics, Quinolone antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin), Phenothiazines, Sulfa drugs, and other medications. |
| Vitamin A supplements | If you are taking vitamin A pills or other supplements. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and traditional medicines.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a powerful medicine for plaque psoriasis. Use it only on the advice of a doctor .
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially whether you are pregnant or not .
- Be very careful of the sun while taking the medication. Use a good sunscreen.
- It is imperative to use a reliable method of birth control while using this medication and for as long as your doctor recommends.
- If severe skin irritation, swelling, or allergic symptoms occur, discontinue use immediately and see a doctor.
- Keep the medicine in a safe place, out of the reach of small children , at room temperature.
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