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Home > Drug Category > Skin Medications (Topical/Oral) > Duobrii and Equivalent

Duobrii Information

Duobrii (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) is a topical medication used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults 18 years or older. It is a combination product that contains two active ingredients with different mechanisms of action. Halobetasol propionate is a super-high potency corticosteroid that works by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation, redness, and itching. Tazarotene is a topical retinoid that helps to normalize the differentiation of skin cells, which is abnormal in psoriasis. When applied, tazarotene is converted to its active form, tazarotenic acid. The combination of these two ingredients provides a more effective psoriasis treatment compared to using either ingredient alone, as the corticosteroid helps manage the inflammatory component of the disease, while the retinoid addresses abnormal skin cell proliferation.

Duobrii Side Effects

The most common side effects of Duobrii are generally localized to the application site. They may include redness, dryness, flaking, itching, pain, swelling, and peeling. These effects are often most pronounced at the beginning of treatment and may subside with continued use. Due to its potent corticosteroid and retinoid components, there is a risk of more serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Skin atrophy: Thinning of the skin, which may lead to easy bruising, striae (stretch marks), or softening of the skin. This risk is higher with long-term use, especially on the face, groin, or under occlusive dressings.
• Systemic absorption: Prolonged use, application to large areas, or use on broken skin can lead to systemic absorption of both active ingredients. Systemic absorption of halobetasol propionate can lead to adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome, or hyperglycemia.
• Photosensitivity: Tazarotene can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is essential to avoid or minimize exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds) and to use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Rebound effect: Psoriasis may worsen or return aggressively upon discontinuation of the medication, particularly after long-term use.

Duobrii Precautions

Do not use Duobrii if you are allergic to halobetasol propionate, tazarotene, or any of the product's other ingredients. Duobrii is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. It should not be used on children. Due to the risk of systemic absorption, do not use it for more than 8 weeks and do not apply it to more than 20% of the body surface area.

Inform your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, and herbal supplements. Duobrii can be used in conjunction with other topical medications containing corticosteroids or retinoids.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Duobrii is classified as Pregnancy Category X. Tazarotene is known to cause birth defects, and its use is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. A pregnancy test should be performed within 2 weeks before initiating Duobrii therapy, and the medication should be started during a menstrual period. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective form of contraception during treatment. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is not known whether topically applied halobetasol or tazarotene would result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk.

Do I need a prescription to order Duobrii?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Duobrii.