Tazarotene gel is safe and effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A multicenter, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study

Retinoids reverse the abnormal pattern of keratinization seen in acne vulga ris. Tazarotene is the first of a novel family of topical receptor-selectiv e acetylenic retinoids. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of top ical tazarotene 0.1% and 0.05% gels, in comparison to vehicle gel, applied once daily for 12 weeks, in the treatment of mild-to-moderate facial acne v ulgaris. A total of 446 patients with facial acne vulgaris were enrolled, a nd 375 patients, ranging in age from 14 to 44 years, were evaluable in this multicenter, double-blind, randomized study. in comparison to vehicle gel, treatment with tazarotene 0.1% gel resulted in significantly greater reduc tions in noninflammatory and total lesion counts at ail follow-up visits, a nd inflammatory lesion counts at Week 12. Tazarotene 0.05% gel resulted in significantly greater reductions in noninflammatory and total lesion counts than vehicle gel at Weeks 8 and 12. At Week 12, treatment success rates we re 68% and 51% for tazarotene 0.1% and 0.05%, respectively (40% for vehicle gel). Tazarotene gel was an effective, safe, and generally well-tolerated therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris.