Avage Topical

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain tazarotene. It may not be specific to Avage. Please read with care.

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause your skin to be irritated. You may need to use this medicine for several weeks or months before your skin starts to look better. Applying extra medicine will not make it work faster.

Read the patient information that will come with your medicine. Follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

To use the foam:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Before applying this medicine, wash the affected area of your skin with water and a mild cleanser or soap. Rinse well and pat dry.
• Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes before applying the cream or gel.
• Apply a small amount of the medicine to each affected area of the skin (eg, forehead, chin, cheeks, chest, shoulders, or other parts in the body), and gently rub it in.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage.
• If you are using Fabior™ foam, dispense a small amount of foam into your palm. Apply only enough foam to lightly cover the affected area(s) of the face and upper body. Gently rub it until the foam disappears.
• You may also use moisturizer as needed.

To use the Avage® cream:

• At bedtime, gently wash your face with mild soap. Remove any makeup before applying the cream to the face. Rinse and pat your skin dry.
• Apply a pea-sized amount to lightly cover your face, including the eyelids, if desired. Do not get any cream into your eyes. If contact occurs, rinse with water.
• Wash your hands after applying the cream.
• You may apply a moisturizing sunscreen in the morning, and wear protective clothing while using this medicine.
• You can also use a cream or lotion to soften or moisturize your skin before or after you apply Avage® cream.

Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (0.1% cream):
  • For reducing fine facial wrinkles and certain types of dark and light spots on the face:
    • Adults and children 17 years of age and older—Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day, at bedtime.
    • Children younger than 17 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
• For topical dosage form (cream):
  • For psoriasis:
    • Adults—Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day, usually in the evening or at bedtime.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
• For topical dosage form (foam):
  • For acne:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day, usually in the evening or at bedtime.
    • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
• For topical dosage form (gel):
  • For acne:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day, usually in the evening or at bedtime.
    • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
  • For psoriasis:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day, usually in the evening or at bedtime.
    • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Do not freeze the Fabior™ foam. Do not spray or use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the can.

This medication is used to reduce fine wrinkles and dark and light spots on your face. Tazarotene is a retinoid product related to Vitamin A. It is important to use this medication with a total skin care program and avoid exposure to sunlight.

How to use Avage Cream

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using tazarotene and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the face only.

Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication, then clean your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Wait at least 20 minutes before applying the medication to make sure your face is dry. Apply a pea-sized amount of this medication to the affected areas on your face as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Wash your hands well after applying. In the morning, apply a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.

You may use a moisturizing cream or lotion on your face before or after you apply this medication. Make sure that either the moisturizer or medication has been absorbed into your skin, and that your skin is dry before you apply the second product.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse right away with plenty of cool water.

Do not apply this medication to skin that is cut, scraped, sunburned, or affected by eczema. Consult your doctor for more information.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Do not use large amounts or apply this medication more often or use for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

Before using tazarotene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (such as eczema, sunburn, sun sensitivity).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using this medication. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to the skin.

Avoid electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Before starting this medication, women who could become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test result within the last 2 weeks. This medication should be started during a normal menstrual period.

Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: vitamin A products, hair perming solutions, other skin products with strong drying effects, skin products containing alcohol/lime/spice (such as shaving lotions, astringents such as calamine lotion, perfume), soaps/shampoos/cleansers that are medicated/abrasive.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: increased skin dryness and peeling.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.Information last revised November 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.