Topical tazarotene: a review of its use in the treatment of plaque psoriasis

Abstract

Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a topical retinoid indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. When used as monotherapy, topical tazarotene was effective at controlling signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis, and had significantly lower post-treatment relapse rates than fluocinonide cream. The most common adverse events associated with tazarotene therapy are skin-associated events, such as pruritus, burning, and erythema. Combination therapy with tazarotene and mid-to-high potency topical corticosteroids generally resulted in a greater therapeutic effect than that with tazarotene alone, reduced the irritancy of tazarotene, and decreased the risk of post-treatment disease flare seen with corticosteroids; it also has the potential to reduce the degree of skin atrophy associated with topical corticosteroids. The combination of tazarotene and phototherapy also appears promising. Thus, tazarotene, as monotherapy or in combination with topical corticosteroids or UV light therapy, represents a useful treatment option in patients with plaque psoriasis.