Do you sometimes feel like your acne won't stop coming? Or do you feel embarrassed to face society because of the condition of flaky, red skin ( Psoriasis )? Tazarotene is a special medicine that doctors recommend to treat such conditions. It comes in the form of a gel, so it is easy to use. So today, let's talk about this Tazarotene gel, its function, things to be careful about while using it, and side effects , all in a simple and clear way.
What is Tazarotene gel?
Simply put, Tazarotene is a drug that belongs to a class of medications called retinoids . Retinoids are a group of special compounds made from vitamin A. Their main function is to control the rate at which our skin cells grow and the process by which they die and are removed.
Think about it, acne occurs when our skin pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil (sebum). Tazarotene works by quickly removing these dead skin cells and preventing them from clogging the pores. Similarly, in psoriasis, skin cells grow rapidly, piling up on top of each other, causing red, scaly patches. Tazarotene also controls this rapid cell growth. That's why this medicine is so effective for both of these conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes Tazarotene Gel for you, it is very important to tell him or her about your complete health history . Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or fact | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. Tazarotene can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since it is not yet completely clear whether this medication can pass to the baby through breast milk, you should talk to your doctor about it. |
| If you have skin cancer or a family history of skin cancer | Retinoids may sometimes alter the risk of skin cancer, so your doctor should be aware of this. |
| If you have other skin conditions (e.g. eczema) or sensitive skin | Tazarotene can aggravate conditions like eczema, so care should be taken with the areas being treated. |
| If there is a large area of skin that is burned or injured | Broken skin can absorb more of the medicine into the body, so the skin should heal before using this. |
| If you have allergies to tazarotene, other medicines, foods or preservatives | Reporting any allergies in advance can help prevent serious reactions. |
How exactly do you use this?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
- For external use only: This is not an oral medication. It is for topical use only.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to both hands, wash your hands only before applying the medicine.
- Do not let it get into your eyes: Do not apply to sensitive areas such as the eyes, inside the nose, or inside the mouth for any reason. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Apply as a thin film: Apply as a very thin film only to the area prescribed by the doctor. Applying too much will not heal the skin faster, it will only increase the side effects. A small amount, about the size of a green pea, can cover the entire face.
- Use at the right time: Take it at the same time every day (usually at night) as your doctor tells you. Do not take it more than the prescribed number of times.
- Complete the course: Take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel a little better. Do not stop taking it without his advice.
Use by children
This medicine may be prescribed for children over the age of 12 for some selected conditions, but only your doctor should decide.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than you should, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
When you use Tazarotene, you should also be careful about other medications, cosmetics, and vitamins you use. Some things can react with Tazarotene and increase side effects.
| What can cause problems | Description |
|---|---|
| Other cosmetics that dry the skin | For example, acne creams containing Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid . Using these together can cause the skin to become excessively dry, red, and flaky. |
| Medications that make the skin sensitive to sunlight | Tazarotene already makes the skin sensitive to the sun. This sensitivity may be increased if you are taking medications such as Tetracycline , Thiazide diuretics , and Quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin). |
| Vitamin A Supplements | Since tazarotene is also a form of vitamin A, taking additional vitamin A can cause side effects of too much vitamin A in the body (hypervitaminosis A). |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about every medicine, herb, and vitamin you are taking.
Things to be especially careful about when using Tazarotene
Pregnancy and birth control
This is the most important thing. Do not become pregnant while taking Tazarotene for any reason. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby. Your doctor will tell you to use reliable birth control while you are taking this medicine and for a while after you stop taking it. If you think you are pregnant, stop taking the medicine immediately and tell your doctor.
Sun protection
When using this medicine, your skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight. This means you can get sunburned very quickly.
- Avoid going out in the sun as much as possible.
- If you're going outside, be sure to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher .
- Wear a hat and long-sleeved clothing.
- Do not use things like sun lamps and tanning beds.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Tazarotene can cause some side effects. Some of them are normal and go away in a few days. But some things should be reported to your doctor immediately.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you see these, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Excessive skin inflammation | Unbearable burning, itching, peeling, or blistering of the skin where the medicine was applied. |
| These are normal to see, but if they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor skin problems | Skin redness, dryness, mild itching or inflammation (especially in the first few weeks). |
| Skin discoloration | Temporary change in skin color in the treated area. |
| Sensitivity to sunlight | A tendency to burn easily in the sun. |
How do you safely store and dispose of medication?
- Storage: Store at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius), out of reach of children and pets. Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Disposal: Do not throw expired or unwanted medication tubes in the trash. Some pharmacies have programs to accept old medications. Alternatively, remove the gel from the tube, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place it in a sealable bag and throw it in the trash. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Tazarotene is a powerful and effective medication for acne and blackheads, but it should only be used under the guidance of a doctor.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking.
- Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Protect yourself from the sun while using the medication. It is essential to use a good sunscreen.
- It may take some time to see results, so be patient and use the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
- If you experience a severe side effect, don't panic and call your doctor immediately.
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