This article describes Tazorac’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Tazorac. If you want to know more about Tazorac, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Tazorac is a brand-name medication that comes as a cream and gel. It’s available in a generic version called tazarotene. This article describes dosages of Tazorac.
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Forms and strengths of Tazorac
Tazorac comes in these forms and strengths:
| Form | How to use | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| topical cream | apply to the affected area of your skin | • 0.05% • 0.1% |
| topical gel | apply to the affected area of your skin | • 0.05% • 0.1% |
Dosage of Tazorac
This article describes the recommended dosages for Tazorac. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Tazorac without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Tazorac in adults
Doctors prescribe Tazorac for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and mild to moderate acne. It is a topical medication, which means it should be applied to the affected area of the skin.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Tazorac. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Tazorac that gives the desired outcome.
The following table shows the recommended dosages of Tazorac for adults.
| Purpose | Recommended dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| treatment of plaque psoriasis | 0.05% strength, applied as a thin layer to the affected areas* | once per day in the evening |
| treatment of acne | 0.1% strength, applied as a thin layer to the affected areas | once per day in the evening |
*Your doctor may increase your dosage to Tazorac 0.1% if needed.
Dosage of Tazorac in children
Tazorac is used to treat acne in children age 12 years and older.
The recommended dosage of Tazorac for acne in children is the same as the adult dosage, as outlined below:
| Purpose | Recommended dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| treatment of acne in children age 12 years and older | 0.1% strength, applied as a thin layer to the affected areas | once per day in the evening |
Dosage adjustments for Tazorac
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Tazorac based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Tazorac
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Tazorac. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Tazorac and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Tazorac and its dosage.
How does the dosage of Tazorac compare with the dosage of tretinoin?
Tazorac and tretinoin are both available in topical gels and creams, which means you apply them to your skin. They are both prescribed for acne in adults and children age 12 years and older. However, doctors also prescribe Tazorac for plaque psoriasis.
The recommended dosages of these two drugs are similar. Both Tazorac and tretinoin are applied once per day in the evening or at bedtime.
One difference is that Tazorac and tretinoin are available in different strengths. The following table shows the strengths of each medication. Your doctor will prescribe a strength specifically for your condition.
| Drug | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Tazorac topical cream | • 0.05% • 0.1% |
| Tazorac topical gel | • 0.05% • 0.1% |
| Tretinoin topical cream | • 0.025% • 0.05% • 0.1% |
| Tretinoin topical gel | • 0.025% • 0.05% • 0.1% |
| Tretinoin microsphere topical gel (Retin-A Micro) | • 0.04% • 0.06% • 0.08% |
If you have more questions about how the dosage of Tazorac compares to the dosage of tretinoin, talk with your doctor.
Is Tazorac used long term?
It can be. Doctors may prescribe Tazorac as a short-term or long-term treatment.
In clinical trials, Tazorac was studied for up to 12 months for plaque psoriasis and up to 12 weeks for acne. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, your doctor may recommend that you use it longer.
If you have questions about how long you should use Tazorac, talk with your doctor.
How Tazorac is used
You’ll apply a thin layer of Tazorac to the affected areas of your skin. You’ll use it once a day in the evening, as prescribed by your doctor.
If you’re using Tazorac for plaque psoriasis, make sure your skin is dry before applying Tazorac. You can use moisturizers, creams, or lotions on your skin. But you should use them at least 1 hour before applying Tazorac to the affected areas.
If you’re using Tazorac for acne, gently cleanse and dry your face or other affected areas before applying Tazorac. Apply a thin layer of Tazorac over your acne lesions. You can apply sunscreen to your skin in the morning.
Wash your hands after applying Tazorac. If Tazorac accidentally gets into your eyes or mouth, rinse the area thoroughly with water.
Your doctor may advise that you use this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
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Get free cardOverdose of Tazorac
It’s important that you do not use more Tazorac than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Tazorac overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include the following skin issues:
- extreme redness or skin discoloration
- peeling of the skin
- discomfort
What to do if you use too much Tazorac
If you think you’ve used too much Tazorac, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Tazorac. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Tazorac without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Tazorac exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How long will I need to use Tazorac?
- What may cause my dosage of Tazorac to be increased?
- Will my dosage change if I take other medications along with Tazorac?
- Will a higher dosage increase my risk of side effects?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.