Efficacy and safety of topical tazarotene: a review

Background: Tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) is a synthetic retinoic acid receptor- betagamma topical retinoid approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and acne vulgaris.

Objectives: To review a decade of experience using tazarotene as a monotherapy or as combination therapy for approved and other indications: acne, psoriasis, photoaging, basal cell carcinomas and various keratinization disorders.

Methods: We reviewed the published literature available on PubMed for safety and efficacy of topical tazarotene gel or cream preparations.

Results/conclusions: Tazarotene, in both gel and cream formulations, has been used both as monotherapy and as an adjuvant therapy. For psoriasis it has been combined with Steroids, calcipotriene and phototherapy, and for acne, with Antibiotics. Tazarotene has been shown to upregulate the tumor suppressor, tazarotene induced gene 3, which is overexpressed in psoriasis and skin Cancer. Adverse effects are limited to mild to moderate local irritation and erythema as seen with the 'retinization period' of other topical retinoid therapies. Daily application of tazarotene is effective with sustained benefits and limited local side effects.