Can you take tazarotene while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Topical tazarotene has not been studied during breastfeeding. Some experts feel it should not be used on a large surface area (perhaps greater than 20% of body surface area) while nursing because of possible absorption. Others recommend that it not be used during breastfeeding because of its suspected mutagenic properties. If tazarotene is used, ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of maternal skin that have been treated and the infant does not ingest the product from the mother's skin.
Quoted from Tazarotene — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised October 15, 2024.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of tazarotene. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much tazarotene gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take tazarotene while breastfeeding?
Topical tazarotene has not been studied during breastfeeding. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of tazarotene while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Adalimumab, Certolizumab Pegol, Etanercept, Infliximab, Phototherapy, Tretinoin as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does tazarotene pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for tazarotene are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking tazarotene?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on tazarotene
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.