Tazret Gel 20gm

Description

Tazret Gel 20gm is a topical medication primarily used to treat psoriasis and acne. Its active ingredient is Tazarotene, which belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids, derived from vitamin A.

What it is and what it’s used for:

• Active Ingredient: Tazarotene (often 0.05% w/w in the gel form, though 0.1% also exists in cream formulations like Tazret Forte)
• Class of Medicine: Retinoid (specifically a third-generation retinoid)
• Primary Uses:
  • Psoriasis: It’s effective in treating stable plaque psoriasis, a chronic skin condition where skin cells grow too quickly, leading to thick, red, scaly, and itchy patches. Tazret Gel helps to reduce these patches, as well as inflammation, redness, and irritation.
  • Acne Vulgaris: It’s used to treat acne (pimples, blackheads, whiteheads) by reducing excessive oil production in the skin and preventing hair follicles from getting blocked. It also helps to prevent acne scars.
  • Photoaging: Some formulations of tazarotene are also used to treat signs of sun-damaged skin (photoaging), such as fine wrinkles and discoloration.

How Tazret Gel (Tazarotene) works:

Tazarotene works by influencing cell proliferation and differentiation in the skin. Specifically, it:

• Slows down rapid skin cell growth: This is crucial for conditions like psoriasis, where cells overgrow.
• Reduces inflammation: It blocks certain substances that cause redness and swelling in the skin.
• Promotes cell turnover: This helps to unclog pores in acne and improve overall skin texture.

How to use Tazret Gel 20gm:

• For external use only.
• Apply a thin film of the gel to the affected areas only, once daily in the evening.
• Ensure the affected area is clean and dry before application.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the gel.
• Avoid applying it to healthy skin or in skin folds.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, nose, open wounds, or mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Do not use more than the prescribed amount. Using more will not clear your condition faster and may increase side effects.
• Consistency is key. It may take a few weeks to see noticeable improvement, and the full benefit might take longer (e.g., several months for psoriasis). Do not stop using it even if you don’t see immediate results.
• Treatment is often limited to 10% of the body surface area.

Common Side Effects of Tazret Gel:

As a powerful topical retinoid, Tazret Gel can cause skin irritation, especially during the initial weeks of treatment. Common side effects include:

• Dry skin
• Erythema (skin redness)
• Itching
• Irritation / Skin irritation
• Burning or stinging sensation at the application site
• Skin peeling (desquamation)
• Worsening of psoriasis (initially, before improvement)
• Skin pain

These side effects are usually temporary and tend to lessen as your skin adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become severe, consult your doctor.

Important Considerations and Warnings:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Tazret Gel is contraindicated during pregnancy as it is known to be a teratogen (can cause birth defects). Females of child-bearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and use effective contraception during the entire course of therapy. It is also generally not recommended during breastfeeding as it may be harmful to the nursing infant.
• Sun Sensitivity (Photosensitivity): Tazarotene increases your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and UV light (including sunlamps).
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily on treated areas, even on cloudy days.
  • Wear protective clothing (hats, long sleeves) when outdoors.
  • Avoid waxing on treated areas as skin may be more fragile.
• Avoid on Damaged Skin: Do not apply to eczematous skin, sunburnt skin, abraded skin, or skin with open wounds, as it can cause severe irritation.
• Children: Not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age, as safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other topical medications, cosmetics, and systemic drugs you are using. Certain products with strong drying effects (e.g., alcohol-based cleansers, astringents) or other photosensitizing drugs (e.g., some diuretics, antibiotics) should be used with caution.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of eczema, skin cancer, or liver diseases.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: The effect on driving ability is unknown, but since it’s a topical medication, it’s generally not expected to cause systemic effects that impair driving.