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Duobrii (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: September 2023 | Last updated: September 2023

Duobrii® (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) is a prescription lotion developed to treat the symptoms of psoriasis in adults.1

Duobrii combines 2 medications: halobetasol propionate and tazarotene. Both are available as separate medicated lotions to treat psoriasis, but each has limitations. The combination of medicines in Duobrii offers the benefits of both drugs while reducing the side effects of taking either one in concentrated form or over time.1

What are the ingredients in Duobrii?

The active ingredients in Duobrii are halobetasol propionate and tazarotene.1

How does Duobrii work?

Duobrii is a prescription skin lotion that contains 2 different medicines. Each medicine works differently to help relieve psoriasis symptoms. The combination relieves psoriasis symptoms better than either medicine alone.1

Halobetasol propionate

Halobetasol propionate is a lab-made corticosteroid that is approved for use on the skin. Corticosteroids are cortisone-type medicines that imitate our body’s natural cortisone hormones, which are important for maintaining overall health. Corticosteroids are used to prevent itching and inflammation, but they are strong drugs that can cause serious side effects that impact the body’s immune system. Because of this, halobetasol propionate cannot be used for more than 2 weeks at a time.1,2

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Tazarotene

Tazarotene is a topical medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids. Retinoids are similar to vitamin A, and they can reduce fine wrinkles on the skin by increasing collagen formation. They are also used to reduce the redness and itching that accompany psoriasis. Tazarotene can cause serious skin irritation when it is used over long periods.3

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Duobrii include:1

  • Redness, itching, swelling, burning, stinging
  • Pain or soreness where you spread the medicine
  • Inflamed hair follicles
  • Thinning skin
  • Peeling skin
  • Rash

These are not all the possible side effects of Duobrii. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when using Duobrii. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when using Duobrii.

Other things to know

Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds and limit exposure to sunlight during treatment with Duobrii. If you need to be outdoors after applying Duobrii, wear protective clothing. Do not use Duobrii if you have a sunburn.1

Before starting treatment with Duobrii, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Eczema or any other skin problems.
  • A skin infection. You may need medicine to treat the infection before starting Duobrii.
  • Diabetes
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Liver problems

Duobrii can harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Duobrii. There is not enough data to know if Duobrii is safe to use while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Duobrii.1

If you apply Duobrii after a bath or shower, make sure your skin is dry first.1

Do not use Duobrii on your face, groin, or armpits.1

Do not bandage, wrap, or cover treated skin areas unless your doctor tells you to.1

Before beginning treatment for plaque psoriasis, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Duobrii.