Tazarotene 0.1% gel plus corticosteroid cream in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Topical corticosteroids are often used in the treatment of psoriasis, but long-term use may be associated with serious adverse events such as tachyphylaxis or atrophy of the skin. Tazarotene, a new topical retinoid, has demonstrated significant clinical benefits but can cause mild to moderate local irritation.

OBJECTIVE:

We evaluate whether a combination treatment of topical tazarotene and a topical corticosteroid would increase efficacy while reducing the incidence of local adverse events associated with a topical retinoid.

METHODS:

Three hundred patients enrolled in an investigator-masked study were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: tazarotene 0.1% gel in combination with placebo cream, or with a low-, mid-, or high-potency corticosteroid cream, for 12 weeks of treatment and a posttreatment follow-up at week 16.

RESULTS:

Tazarotene 0.1% gel in combination with a mid- or high-potency corticosteroid, when compared with tazarotene plus placebo cream, achieved significantly greater reductions in scaling, erythema, and overall lesional severity, and a decreased incidence of adverse events.

CONCLUSION:

All tazarotene combinations (including tazarotene plus placebo) were highly effective in rapidly reducing the severity of psoriasis. Combining tazarotene with a topical corticosteroid increased efficacy while reducing the incidence of local adverse events.

• Authors: M G Lebwohl, D L Breneman, B S Goffe, J R Grossman, M R Ling, J Milbauer, S H Pincus, R G Sibbald, L J Swinyer, G D Weinstein, D A Lew-Kaya, J C Lue, J R Gibson, J Sefton
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 39 Issue 4 Pt 1 Pg. 590-6 (Oct 1998) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9777766 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Gels
• Keratolytic Agents
• Nicotinic Acids
• Ointments
• tazarotene

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Canada
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Gels
• Humans
• Keratolytic Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nicotinic Acids (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Ointments
• Psoriasis (drug therapy)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• United States