halobetasol and tazarotene topical

What is the most important information I should know about halobetasol and tazarotene topical?

What is halobetasol and tazarotene topical?

Halobetasol is a highly potent steroid. Tazarotene is a compound similar to vitamin A.

Halobetasol and tazarotene topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking and redness of the skin) in adults.

Halobetasol and tazarotene topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using halobetasol and tazarotene topical?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• eczema;
• any type of skin infection;
• liver disease; or
• an adrenal gland disorder.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. You should start using halobetasol and tazarotene topical during a normal menstrual period, to be sure you are not pregnant.

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

How should I use halobetasol and tazarotene topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you apply this medicine after taking a shower or bath, dry your skin completely before applying the lotion.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not use more than 50 grams of halobetasol and tazarotene topical in 1 week.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

You should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

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?

High doses or long-term use of steroid medicine can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using halobetasol and tazarotene topical?

Avoid applying this medicine to your face, underarms, or groin area. Avoid getting the medicine in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

What are the possible side effects of halobetasol and tazarotene topical?

• irritation of treated skin;
• a sunburn;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin --weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects may include:

• burning, stinging, redness, itching, pain, or swelling of treated skin;
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
• rash;
• peeling skin; or
• thinning skin.

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.

What other drugs will affect halobetasol and tazarotene topical?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• an antibiotic or other medicine that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight; or
• any other steroid medicine used on the skin, taken by mouth, or injected.

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

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about halobetasol and tazarotene topical.

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.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01. Revision date: 5/15/2019.