Avage
Cream
Chemical Name: AVAGE TAZAROTENE (taz-AR-oh-teen)
Common uses of Avage
This medicine is a
retinoid used to reduce fine wrinkles and dark
and light spots on your face. It is important
that you use this medicine with a total skin
care program and that you avoid exposure to
sunlight.
Before using Avage
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR
PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION
may be needed if you are also taking other
medicines that cause sensitivity to the sun,
such as: thiazide "water pills" (e.g.,
hydrochlorothiazide), tetracyclines, quinolone
antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin),
phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), sulfa
drugs, or vitamin A supplements. Also report the
use of other skin care products with a strong
drying effect or high alcohol content as well as
medicated soaps and vitamin A products. Inform
your doctor of any other medical conditions
including other skin conditions (e.g., eczema,
sun sensitivity, undiagnosed skin lesions),
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Avage
Directions
Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
This medicine comes with a patient information
leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may
have about this medicine. Remove any make-up,
and wash and completely dry the affected area.
Wait at least 20 minutes before applying the
medicine. Apply only on your face, once daily at
bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Apply a
thin amount of this medicine to the fine
wrinkles and discolored spots. Wash your hands
after using this medicine. In the morning, apply
a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.
You may use a moisturizing cream or lotion on
your face before or after you apply this
medicine. Make sure that either the moisturizer
or this medicine has been absorbed into your
skin and that the skin is dry before applying
the second product. KEEP THIS MEDICINE away from
the eyes and mouth. DO NOT APPLY THIS MEDICINE
on sunburned, irritated, or eczematous skin.
STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77
degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed
container away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS
A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose.
Do not use 2 doses at once.
Avage
Cautions
Do not use any other
medicines or special cleansers on your skin
unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. If
you are using a product to soften your skin,
allow that product to absorb completely before
applying this medicine. DO NOT EXCEED THE
RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your
doctor. Avoid getting this medicine in your
eyes, on the inside of your nose and mouth, or
on healthy skin. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE
increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure
to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths while
using this medicine. Use a sunscreen (minimum
SPF 15) or protective clothing if you must be
outside for a prolonged period. FOR WOMEN: DO
NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF
YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact
your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE
OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using
this medicine, check with your doctor or
pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Women who could become pregnant are advised to
use adequate birth control when this medicine is
used. Consult your doctor.
Possible Avage side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may
occur while taking this medicine include
itching, burning, stinging, redness, irritation,
dryness or peeling of the skin. Cold and windy
weather may increase skin irritation. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE if you experience worsening of the
original skin problem, skin rash or cracking
discoloration or bleeding of the skin. AN
ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY,
but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include
rash, severe itching, swelling, dizziness, or
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can
result in unwanted side effects or prevent a
medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Avage
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. This
medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms
of overdose may include increased redness,
peeling, and discomfort.
Additional Avage information
DO NOT SHARE THIS
MEDICINE with others for whom it was not
prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other
health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS
MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out. |