Halobetasol Propionate (hal-oh-BAY-ta-sol PROE-pee-oh-nate), Tazarotene (taz-AR-oh-teen)

Treats plaque psoriasis. This medicine contains a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Duobrii

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Lotion

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it near your eyes, nose, mouth, underarms, groin, or genitals. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Make sure your skin is dry before you use the medicine. Apply a thin layer only to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how halobetasol/tazarotene works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Antibiotic (including ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, tetracycline)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Other steroid medicines
  • Phenothiazine medicine
  • Sulfa medicine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before you start using this medicine. Your doctor may tell you to start using the medicine during your menstrual period.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, adrenal gland problems, diabetes, eye problems, eczema, other skin problems, sunburn, or any type of skin infection.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Cushing syndrome
  • High blood sugar
  • Eye or vision problems (including cataracts, glaucoma)
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• This medicine makes your skin more sensitive to irritation and more likely to burn. Avoid exposing your skin to wind, cold weather, and sunlight, even on cloudy days. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed. Use a sunscreen or sunblock lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on a regular basis. Wear protective clothing when you are outside.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blisters, swelling, rash, or red, scaly, crusty skin
• Blurred vision or other changes in vision, eye pain
• Color changes on the skin, dark freckles, easy bruising, muscle weakness
• Round, puffy face
• Severe skin itching, burning, redness, peeling, or pain
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild skin itching, peeling, stinging, burning, or dryness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088