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Avage

Generic name: tazarotene topical [ ta-ZAR-oh-teen ]
Brand names: Arazlo, Fabior, Tazorac, Avage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Avage?

Avage (for use on skin) 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.

The Avage brand of tazarotene cream is used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the face, mottled light and dark skin patches on the face, and benign facial lentigines (non-cancerous freckles) in adults and adolescents who are at least 17 years old.

The Fabior and Tazorac brands of tazarotene topical are used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.

The Arazlo brand of tazarotene topical is used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents who are at least 9 years old.

Tazorac is also used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin) in adults.

Avage may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Avage side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Avage may cause serious side effects. Stop using Avage and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Avage may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avage side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Avage can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy.

Stop using Avage and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Avage if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting this treatment.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Do not use Avage if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

Stop using Avage and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Avage should not be used on anyone younger than 17 years old. Fabior or Tazorac should not be used to treat acne in a child younger than 12 years old. Fabior should not be used to treat psoriasis in anyone under 18 years old.

How should I use Avage?

Avage is usually applied once daily in the evening or at bedtime. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use Avage on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Also avoid using this medicine in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using Avage.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Women who use Avage should start the medication during a menstrual period.

Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

Shake the Fabior foam well just before each use.

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind during treatment with Avage. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Fabior foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty foam canister. Store the bottle in an upright position.

Detailed Avage dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Avage may cause severe skin discomfort. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using tazarotene topical?

Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with Avage unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Avage can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Rinse with water if Avage gets in your eyes.

What other drugs will affect Avage?

If you also use a benzoyl peroxide acne medication, do not use it at the same time you use Avage. Apply one medication only in the morning and the other only in the evening.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Avage, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Avage drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Tazarotene and tretinoin work about the same when applied to the skin to treat acne, but Tazarotene works faster and in one study worked more effectively for some signs of sun damaged skin and the signs of aging. They are also similar in terms of the side effects they cause, although tazarotene may cause more irritation when treatment is first started. Tretinoin tends to be cheaper than tazarotene Continue reading

Tazarotene improves the look and feel of your skin. It is used to treat skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. It may also reduce fine lines, wrinkles and patches of skin discoloration. This topical medication is in the class of drugs known as retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. Continue reading

There is no limit on how long you can use Duobrii Lotion, but you should stop using it when your psoriasis has cleared and your doctor tells you to stop treatment. Once your skin is clear it may stay that way for up to 3 months after treatment. Continue reading

Even though Duobrii is a medicine used on the skin, it is highly potent. Excessive doses can pass through your skin and into your bloodstream, which may lead to serious side effects like suppression of your natural cortisol production, Cushing syndrome, high blood sugar or vision problems. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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