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First posted April 9, 2003
Tazorac, a derivative of vitamin A now sold as a topical treatment for psoriasis and acne, was shown in late-stage trials to be effective as an oral capsule for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.
John Koo, M.D., professor and vice chairman of dermatology at the University of California-San Francisco, presented the data at the American Academy of Dermatology conference in late March 2003.
The combined analysis of two phase III trials involved 690 patients taking 4.5 milligrams of tazarotene daily for 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of follow-up. More than half the patients taking oral Tazorac saw their psoriasis symptoms improve by 50 percent, and 30 percent improved at least 75 percent.
The main side effects were inflammation and cracking of the lips, dry skin, headache and aches and pains. Tazorac cleared from the body within a month. This is important because vitamin A derivatives like Tazorac, Soriatane and Accutane are associated with birth defects. Quick clearance suggests it may be possible for women to safely become pregnant after a month-long hiatus from Tazorac�a shorter waiting period than with other oral vitamin A derivatives.
Allergan, manufacturer of Tazorac, intends to seek approval of the oral form from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the second half of 2003.
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