Arazlo Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Arazlo (tazarotene 0.045% lotion) is a topical retinoid that is generally well-tolerated compared to older tazarotene formulations — but like all retinoids, it does have side effects you should know about before starting treatment. Most side effects are limited to the skin and improve over time. A few are serious enough to warrant stopping the medication immediately.

Why Does Arazlo Cause Skin Side Effects?

Arazlo works by speeding up skin cell turnover — the rate at which your skin sheds old cells and produces new ones. This is exactly how it clears acne: by preventing pore-clogging and reducing inflammation. But the same process causes the initial skin reaction many users experience. The good news is that Arazlo's 0.045% concentration and its unique polymeric emulsion vehicle are specifically designed to minimize irritation compared to older tazarotene formulations.

Common Side Effects of Arazlo

These side effects are most likely to occur in the first 2–4 weeks of treatment and typically improve as your skin adjusts:

• Skin dryness — one of the most common side effects; use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer daily to manage
• Skin redness (erythema) — temporary flushing or redness at the application site is normal when starting Arazlo
• Peeling or exfoliation — accelerated skin cell turnover causes visible peeling; most patients see this improve after the first month
• Skin burning or stinging — a temporary burning sensation when applying Arazlo, especially early in treatment
• Itching (pruritus) — mild to moderate itching at application sites; moisturizer and gentle skincare can help
• Increased photosensitivity — Arazlo makes your skin more sensitive to UV radiation; you may burn more easily in the sun

Serious Side Effects of Arazlo (Contact Your Doctor)

While rare, these side effects require prompt medical attention:

• Severe skin irritation — if redness, peeling, or pain is severe or significantly affects your quality of life, contact your dermatologist. Your provider may recommend reducing application frequency, temporarily pausing, or switching to a different retinoid.
• Allergic reaction — symptoms include hives, rash spreading beyond the application site, difficulty breathing, or severe swelling. Stop using Arazlo immediately and seek emergency care if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction.
• Severe eczema flare — patients with eczema are at higher risk of severe irritation from Arazlo. If you have eczema and notice a significant flare, stop using Arazlo and contact your doctor.

The Most Serious Warning: Pregnancy

Arazlo is contraindicated in pregnancy. Tazarotene is a retinoid, and like all retinoids, it can cause serious birth defects (teratogenicity). Although Arazlo's systemic absorption is low compared to oral retinoids like isotretinoin, the risk to a developing fetus is real and the medication must not be used during pregnancy.

Before starting Arazlo, if you can become pregnant:

• A negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting is recommended
• Use effective contraception during treatment
• Stop using Arazlo immediately and contact your doctor if you become pregnant

How to Minimize Arazlo Side Effects

Most Arazlo side effects can be managed with the right skincare approach:

1. Use a gentle cleanser. Wash affected areas with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid harsh or abrasive scrubs while using Arazlo.
2. Moisturize daily. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer morning and night to reduce dryness and peeling. Look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin.
3. Use sunscreen every day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every morning. Reapply every two hours if outdoors. Wear protective clothing when extended sun exposure is unavoidable.
4. Avoid benzoyl peroxide simultaneously. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent that can degrade tazarotene. If both are prescribed, use one in the morning and Arazlo in the evening (or as directed by your provider).
5. Start slowly if needed. Your dermatologist may recommend applying Arazlo every other day for the first two weeks to help your skin adjust, then increasing to daily use.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your dermatologist if:

• Side effects don't improve after 4–6 weeks of consistent use
• Skin irritation is severe enough to interfere with daily life
• You develop signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• You become pregnant or think you might be pregnant

For more information on what medications and products to avoid while using Arazlo, read our guide to Arazlo drug interactions.