Tazarotene cream in the treatment of psoriasis: Two multicenter, double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled studies of the safety and efficacy of tazarotene creams 0.05% and 0.1% applied once daily for 12 weeks.
BACKGROUND
Tazarotene in a gel formulation is widely used in the treatment of psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and safety of tazarotene 0.1% and 0.05% creams in the treatment of psoriasis.


METHODS
A total of 1303 patients participated in 2 clinical trials. Patients applied tazarotene creams 0.1% and 0.05% or vehicle once daily to all psoriatic lesions for 12 weeks followed by a 12-week posttreatment period.


RESULTS
Both creams were significantly more effective than vehicle on the basis of an overall assessment of psoriasis, a global response to treatment, and reduction in plaque elevation and scaling. Therapeutic effect was maintained during the posttreatment period. Common adverse events included signs and symptoms of skin irritation.


CONCLUSIONS
Tazarotene creams were associated with significant reductions in the severity of the clinical signs of psoriasis and were found to be safe with acceptable tolerability. Tazarotene cream 0.1% was generally more effective, although slightly less well tolerated, than the 0.05% cream.
University of California, Irvine, USA.
Gerald D
GD
Weinstein
John Y M
JY
Koo
Gerald G
GG
Krueger
Mark G
MG
Lebwohl
Nicholas J
NJ
Lowe
M Alan
MA
Menter
Deborah A
DA
Lew-Kaya
John
J
Sefton
John R
JR
Gibson
Patricia S
PS
Walker
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009539:Nicotinic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D012176:Retinoids
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009539:Nicotinic Acids; C086827:tazarotene; D012176:Retinoids