II. Indications

  1. Psoriasis
    1. Primary use
  2. Acne Vulgaris
    1. Other Comedolytics are better tolerated (Retin A, Adapalene)

III. Mechanism

  1. Retinoid
  2. Suppresses epidermal thickening, Scaling

IV. Preparations

  1. Cream 0.05%, 0.1%
  2. Gel 0.05%, 0.1%

V. Dosing

  1. Applied each day
  2. Quick onset of benefit
  3. Start at 0.05% gel, may advance to 0.1% gel

VI. Efficacy

  1. Under 50% have moderate to marked benefit
  2. Best used in combination with topicals
  3. Benefit may last for several weeks after stopping

VII. Adverse Effects

  1. Local irritation is common
    1. Erythema in almost everyone
    2. Peeling and dryness
    3. Pruritus, stinging and burning
    4. Not tolerated by 10% of patients
  2. Risk of Koebner Reaction
    1. Results in larger area Psoriasis
    2. Apply strictly to lesion

VIII. Safety

  1. Pregnancy Category X

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Cost: Medications

tazarotene (on 12/21/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing)
TAZAROTENE 0.05% GEL Generic $8.14 per gram
TAZAROTENE 0.1% CREAM Generic $2.86 per gram