Generic Tazorac

Introduction

Tazorac is a prescription‑only dermatological preparation containing the retinoid tazarotene. It belongs to the skin‑care medication group and is used primarily for the management of plaque psoriasis and acne vulgaris in adults. In the United Kingdom, Tazorac is prescribed by dermatologists and general practitioners when conventional topical therapies have been insufficient. The product is manufactured by Sun Pharma (or its licensed partners) and is available in cream and gel formulations of different strengths.

What is Tazorac?

Tazorac is a topical formulation of the synthetic retinoid tazarotene (C₂₂H₂₈O₃). Tazarotene is a third‑generation retinoic‑acid receptor (RAR) agonist that was first approved in the United States in 2002 and later received marketing authorisation in the EU. Sun Pharma (and affiliated licensed manufacturers) produce Tazorac as a cream (.05 % w/w) and a gel (.1 % w/w) for adult patients. The medication is supplied as a sealed tube or pump bottle, designed to protect the active ingredient from light and air degradation.

How Tazorac Works

Tazarotene binds selectively to retinoic‑acid receptors‑α, β and γ in keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Activation of these receptors modifies gene transcription, leading to:

• Normalisation of epidermal cell differentiation and turnover.
• Reduction of hyper‑keratinisation and comedo formation in acne.
• Down‑regulation of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL‑1, IL‑6, TNF‑α) that drive psoriatic plaques.

The pharmacodynamic effect becomes clinically apparent within 2–4 weeks, while maximal improvement may take up to 12 weeks of consistent use. Tazarotene has a short systemic half‑life (< 5 hours) because it is rapidly hydrolysed to an inactive metabolite after cutaneous absorption, limiting systemic exposure.

Conditions Treated with Tazorac

• Plaque Psoriasis (adult) – Tazarotene reduces plaque thickness, erythema, and scaling by normalising keratinocyte proliferation. In the UK, psoriasis affects ~2 % of the adult population, creating a sizable patient group for topical retinoids.
• Acne Vulgaris (moderate‑to‑severe) – By preventing micro‑comedone formation and decreasing inflammation, Tazorac improves inflammatory and non‑inflammatory lesions. Acne prevalence peaks in the 15‑30 year age range, but many adults continue to require effective therapy.

Both indications are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and reflected in the British National Formulary (BNF) for adult use.

Who is Tazorac For?

• Adults (≥ 18 years) with moderate plaque psoriasis that has not responded adequately to emollients, vitamin D analogues, or low‑potency corticosteroids.
• Adults with moderate‑to‑severe acne where oral antibiotics or combined hormonal therapy are unsuitable, contraindicated, or have failed.
• Patients who can tolerate topical retinoids and are able to follow proper application guidelines (e.g., avoiding the eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin).

Contra‑indications include pregnancy, lactation, known hypersensitivity to tazarotene or any formulation ingredient, and active skin infections that could be exacerbated by retinoid‑induced irritation.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Skin irritation – erythema, dryness, peeling, or a burning sensation at the application site.
• Pruritus – mild itching that usually resolves with continued use or moisturiser supplementation.

Rare

• Contact dermatitis – allergic reaction to excipients (e.g., fragrance, preservatives).
• Photosensitivity – increased susceptibility to sunburn; patients should use sunscreen and protective clothing.

Serious

• Severe cutaneous reactions – Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (extremely rare; immediate discontinuation and emergency care required).
• Systemic teratogenicity – although systemic absorption is minimal, tazarotene is classified as pregnancy‑category X; exposure during pregnancy can cause fetal malformations.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Concurrent topical corticosteroids – may reduce irritation but can increase local skin atrophy if used excessively.
• Systemic retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin) – combined use raises the risk of toxicity and is not recommended.
• Photosensitising agents (e.g., doxycycline, thiazide diuretics) – may amplify sun‑related adverse events; advise enhanced photoprotection.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing – Apply a thin film once daily in the evening to clean, dry skin. Typical strengths: .05 % cream for psoriasis, .1 % gel for acne. Do not exceed the prescribed amount; over‑application increases irritation without improving efficacy.
• Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten, apply it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled application. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular regimen; do not double‑apply.
• Overdose – Accidental ingestion of a large amount of topical tazarotene is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity but may produce severe local irritation. Rinse the area with copious water and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

Practical precautions

• Avoid applying on open wounds, eyes, lips, or mucosal surfaces.
• Do not use concomitantly with abrasive skin treatments (e.g., chemical peels, dermabrasion).
• Alcohol consumption does not directly affect topical tazarotene but may exacerbate skin dryness; maintain adequate moisturisation.

Buying Tazorac from Our Online Pharmacy

Tazorac can be obtained safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in providing affordable, high‑quality medications that are sourced from licensed overseas suppliers and verified for authenticity.

• Cost‑effective pricing – Our wholesale‑based model keeps prices close to manufacturer cost, offering a lower price than many brick‑and‑mortar dispensaries.
• Verified quality – All batches are accompanied by a certificate of analysis and are stored under controlled conditions to preserve potency.
• Discreet, reliable delivery – Standard shipping takes approximately 7 days (express) or 3 weeks (regular airmail). Packages are unmarked and delivered to your chosen address with tracking.
• Pharmacy‑broker service – We act as an intermediary, connecting you with reputable overseas licensed pharmacies while ensuring compliance with UK import regulations. This model expands access to medications that may be limited or expensive through traditional channels, preserving patient privacy throughout the process.

FAQ

• **Can Tazorac be stored in a bathroom cabinet?
  No. The medication should be kept at room temperature (15‑30 °C) away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight. Bathroom environments can cause degradation of the active ingredient.

• **What inactive ingredients are present in the Tazorac cream?
  The cream formulation contains purified water, mineral oil, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, dimethicone, polysorbate 80, carbomer, and a preservative system (phenoxyethanol). These components help stabilise the product and improve skin feel.

• **Does the gel version of Tazorac contain alcohol?
  Yes, the .1 % gel includes a small amount of ethanol to enhance solubility and rapid absorption. Patients with very dry skin may experience additional dryness and should use an emollient.

• **Are there any differences between the US and EU versions of Tazarotene?
  Regulatory authorities may require variations in excipients or packaging, but the active concentration (.05 % or .1 %) remains consistent. EU formulations typically use fewer preservatives to comply with stricter cosmetic‑dermatology standards.

• **Can Tazorac be imported for personal use under UK law?
  Personal import of prescription‑only medicines is permitted when the item is for personal use, the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply, and a valid prescription from a UK‑registered prescriber is available. Importers must also ensure the product complies with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidelines.

• **Will using Tazorac affect routine drug‑testing results?
  Topical tazarotene is not known to produce false‑positive results in standard occupational or sporting drug‑tests because systemic absorption is negligible.

• **Is there a risk of developing bacterial resistance with Tazorac?
  No. Tazarotene exerts its effect through receptor modulation rather than antimicrobial activity, so resistance does not develop.

• **How long should a patient expect to wait before seeing improvement in acne?
  Initial reduction in inflammatory lesions is often observed after 2–4 weeks, with optimal clearance typically reached after 12 weeks of consistent nightly application.

• **What is the history behind the development of tazarotene?
  Tazarotene was synthesised in the early 199s as part of a program to create retinoids with higher receptor selectivity and reduced systemic toxicity. Clinical trials in the late 199s demonstrated superiority over older retinoids for psoriasis and acne, leading to regulatory approval in the early 200s.

• **Can patients with oily skin use the cream formulation safely?
  Yes, the cream can be used on oily skin, though some may prefer the gel version for its lighter feel. Both formulations are non‑comedogenic when applied as directed.

• **Do seasonal changes influence how Tazorac should be applied?
  During colder, drier months, moisturiser use alongside Tazorac is advisable to mitigate increased skin dryness. In hotter, sunnier periods, rigorous sunscreen use is essential to prevent photosensitivity reactions.

Glossary

Retinoic‑Acid Receptor (RAR)

A nuclear receptor that, when activated by retinoids like tazarotene, regulates gene expression involved in cell growth and differentiation.

Hyper‑keratinisation

Excessive production of keratin leading to thickened skin layers, characteristic of psoriasis plaques and comedones in acne.

Teratogenicity

The capability of a substance to cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus; tazarotene is classified as teratogenic and must be avoided during pregnancy.

Photoprotection

Measures taken to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, typically including sunscreen, clothing, and avoidance of peak sun exposure.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Tazorac is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Tazorac for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.