Also Known as Zorac
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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
TAZORAC is a compound similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and may improve the appearance and texture of skin. It comes in the form of topical gel and cream and is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches) and to treat facial acne. It is also used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the face, mottled light and dark skin patches on the face, and benign facial lentigines (noncancerous freckles).This medicine is a retinoid used to treat plaque psoriasis and acne. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Use TAZORAC exactly as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands before and after applying this medication (unless affected areas are on the hands).
TAZORAC is usually applied once daily at bedtime. To apply, cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser and allow it to dry completely (20-30 minutes). Apply a thin film of TAZORAC cream to the affected skin. Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on unaffected areas, wash it off. Application of this medication may cause a passing feeling of burning or stinging. If irritation is excessive, stop using and contact your doctor.
Do not cover the area after applying fluorouracil topical. This could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful. If a covering is needed, ask your doctor if a porous gauze dressing may be used.
Chemical Name: TAZAROTENE (taz-AR-oh-teen)
To make sure you can safely take TAZORAC, patients should discuss their medical history with their doctor. Before using TAZORAC, inform your doctor if you:
Do not use TAZORAC if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant because it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It is not known whether TAZORAC topical passes into breast milk. Do not use TAZORAC topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind during treatment with TAZORAC topical. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.
Most medications can cause side effects which can be defined as an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can range from mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Side effects are not experienced all patients who take this medication. Many side effects can be managed, and others may go away over time.
Common side effects include skin burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while using TAZORAC topical. If these side effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of TAZORAC.
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using TAZORAC and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects.