title: The efficacy of topical tazarotene monotherapy and combination therapies in psoriasis.
abstract: Tazarotene (Tazorac, Allergan, Inc.) is the first topical retinoid approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. It has a similar onset of action compared to potent topical steroids and has the advantage of a longer remission. The common side effects associated with the drug include skin irritation (including pruritus), erythema and a burning sensation. To overcome some of these shortcomings, it has been used in combination with steroids, calcipotriene and phototherapy. Combination therapy not only results in a decrease in adverse side effects, but also enhanced efficacy. Clinical study data have shown that combination therapy is just as important as tazarotene monotherapy, if not more.
authors.affiliation: UCSF Psoriasis Treatment Center, 515 Spruce Street, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. John.Koo@ucsfmedctr.org
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koo
authors.forename: Shahdad E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Behnam
authors.forename: Shahrad M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Behnam
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004355:Drug Stability; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D009539:Nicotinic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010789:Phototherapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D012176:Retinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009539:Nicotinic Acids; D012176:Retinoids; C086827:tazarotene