Comprehensive medication guide to Tazorac including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$50 copay for generic tazarotene on most commercial plans (Tier 2–3); prior authorization is commonly required; brand-name Tazorac may require step therapy or carry a higher copay of $50–$100+. Medicare Part D typically places tazarotene on Tier 3.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$40–$80 for generic tazarotene cream or gel (30g) with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon; brand-name Tazorac runs $250–$600 per 30g tube at retail without insurance or discounts.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Tazorac is the brand name for tazarotene, a synthetic third-generation topical retinoid derived from vitamin A. First approved by the FDA in 1997, it is available as a cream and gel in 0.05% and 0.1% concentrations. Generic tazarotene is also available and is FDA-approved as bioequivalent to brand Tazorac.
Tazorac is FDA-approved for three conditions: stable plaque psoriasis (cream and gel 0.05% and 0.1%), acne vulgaris (cream and gel 0.1%, for patients 12 and older), and facial photoaging, including fine wrinkles and mottled hyperpigmentation (cream 0.1%, sold as Avage). Off-label uses include acne scarring and broader photoaging management.
Tazarotene is considered one of the most potent topical retinoids available — stronger than tretinoin and adapalene — and can produce faster results in acne and psoriasis, though it also carries a higher risk of skin irritation, especially in the first weeks of treatment.
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Tazarotene is a prodrug — it is biologically inactive as applied and must be converted by skin esterases to its active metabolite, tazarotenic acid. Once formed, tazarotenic acid selectively binds to retinoic acid receptors RAR-beta and RAR-gamma within skin cell nuclei. This binding alters gene expression, triggering changes in how skin cells grow, differentiate, and respond to inflammation.
For acne, tazarotene normalizes keratinocyte differentiation in hair follicles, preventing the clogged pores that start the acne cycle, and reduces comedone formation and inflammatory lesions. For psoriasis, it slows the excessive skin cell proliferation (6–10x normal) that causes thick, scaly plaques. For photoaging, it stimulates collagen production, thickens the epidermis, and redistributes melanin to reduce fine lines and dark spots.
The selective binding of tazarotenic acid to RAR-beta and RAR-gamma — rather than all three RAR subtypes as with tretinoin — gives tazarotene its higher potency and faster onset. However, this same potency is responsible for the more intense skin irritation (redness, peeling, dryness) many patients experience during the first 2–6 weeks of treatment, known as the retinization period.
0.05% — cream
Starting strength for psoriasis; recommended for sensitive skin or first-time retinoid users
0.1% — cream
Standard strength for psoriasis and acne vulgaris; step-up from 0.05% after tolerance established
0.05% — gel
Preferred for oily or acne-prone skin; use on psoriatic lesions up to 20% BSA only
0.1% — gel
Standard strength for acne and psoriasis in gel formulation; avoid on >20% BSA
Tazorac is not on the FDA's active drug shortage list in 2026. Generic tazarotene is manufactured by multiple companies and is generally available at major pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. However, not every pharmacy location stocks every strength and formulation, and brand-name Tazorac gel in particular is not reliably stocked at all retail locations.
The more common access barrier for Tazorac patients is not physical scarcity but insurance gatekeeping — most commercial plans and Medicare Part D require prior authorization, and many mandate step therapy requiring patients to try tretinoin or adapalene first. High retail prices for brand Tazorac ($250–$600 per tube) also make access difficult for uninsured patients.
If you're struggling to find a pharmacy that stocks your specific formulation and strength, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to identify which ones can fill your tazarotene prescription, saving you the frustration of calling pharmacies yourself.
Tazorac (tazarotene) is not a controlled substance and carries no DEA scheduling restrictions. Any licensed prescriber in the United States can write a prescription for tazarotene. There are no special DEA registration requirements, REMS programs, or prescriber certification requirements associated with this medication.
Providers who commonly prescribe tazarotene include:
Dermatologists — most common prescribers, particularly for psoriasis, complex acne, and photoaging management
Primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine) — frequently prescribe tazarotene for acne and mild psoriasis
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — authorized to prescribe tazarotene in all 50 states
Pediatricians — may prescribe for adolescent patients aged 12+ with acne or psoriasis
Tazorac is widely available through telehealth platforms including Curology, Apostrophe, Hims, and Hers. Telehealth dermatology consultations can result in a same-day or next-day tazarotene prescription in most states — a fast alternative when in-person dermatology appointments have long wait times.
No. Tazorac (tazarotene) is not a controlled substance. It is not scheduled by the DEA and has no abuse potential or dependency risk. Any licensed prescriber — including dermatologists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — can write a prescription for tazarotene without any special DEA registration or limitations.
However, tazarotene is prescription-only and is not available over the counter in any formulation or strength. It requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The prescription-only status is due to its teratogenic potential (contraindicated in pregnancy) and the need for medical supervision, not because of misuse risk.
Most side effects of tazarotene are local skin reactions that occur at or near the application site. The most common side effects, occurring in 10–30% of patients in clinical trials, include:
Skin peeling and flaking (desquamation)
Dry skin (xerosis)
Redness and erythema
Burning sensation upon application
Itching (pruritus)
Increased sun sensitivity (photosensitivity)
Serious side effects requiring medical attention:
Severe blistering or skin breakdown at the application site
Signs of serious allergic reaction: hives, severe rash, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty breathing
Severe photosensitivity reaction or blistering sunburn
Pregnancy — tazarotene is contraindicated; stop immediately if pregnancy occurs
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Tretinoin (Retin-A)
First-generation retinoid; gold standard for acne and photoaging; less potent than tazarotene; generic widely available ($20–$80 with coupon); not approved for psoriasis
Adapalene (Differin)
Third-generation retinoid; gentlest retinoid; 0.1% available OTC for ~$10–$15; 0.3% by prescription; good for sensitive skin and retinoid beginners; not approved for psoriasis
Trifarotene (Aklief)
Fourth-generation retinoid; approved for acne on face and trunk (age 9+); generally well tolerated; brand-only, can be expensive
Halobetasol/Tazarotene (Duobrii)
Fixed-dose combination corticosteroid + tazarotene lotion; FDA-approved for plaque psoriasis in adults; contains tazarotene so shares pregnancy contraindication
Prefer Tazorac? We can find it.
Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone)
moderateAdditive photosensitivity risk; use with caution and ensure patient uses daily high-SPF sunscreen
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
moderateBoth increase photosensitivity; counsel patient on strict sun avoidance and SPF use
Phenothiazines (prochlorperazine, promethazine)
moderatePhotosensitizing antipsychotics/antiemetics; additive UV sensitivity with tazarotene
Tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline)
moderateCommonly co-prescribed with tazarotene for acne; both increase sun sensitivity; ensure diligent daily SPF use
Other topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, retinol)
moderateTherapeutic duplication; significantly increases skin irritation without additional benefit; avoid concurrent use
Benzoyl peroxide
minorCan degrade and inactivate tazarotene when applied concurrently; separate application times (benzoyl peroxide AM, tazarotene PM)
Alpha/beta hydroxy acids (AHAs, BHAs)
minorAdditive irritation with tazarotene; avoid glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and similar exfoliants especially during initial treatment period
Tazorac (tazarotene) is one of dermatology's most effective topical medications — a proven third-generation retinoid with FDA approval for plaque psoriasis, acne vulgaris, and photoaged skin. Its potency gives it an edge in speed and efficacy over other retinoids, but that same potency requires careful dosing, sun protection, and patience through the initial retinization period.
Access challenges in 2026 are real but navigable. Generic tazarotene is widely available at reasonable cost with a discount card ($40–$80 per tube), and brand Tazorac's high retail price ($250–$600) can often be reduced through manufacturer savings programs or patient assistance. Insurance prior authorization requirements are the most common barrier and can be managed with good documentation.
If you need help finding a pharmacy with tazarotene in stock, medfinder calls pharmacies near you and texts you which ones can fill your prescription — taking the legwork out of the search.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini