Mechanism of Action. DUOBRII® (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045%

Halobetasol and tazarotene each work in distinct ways^1-4

The video below will help to characterize the specific effects they have in the body. It will also explain how they work in combination to provide a broad range of therapeutic effects for patients.^1-4

5:22

Halobetasol and tazarotene work together to provide a broad range of therapeutic effects^1-4

Chart comparing properties of corticosteroids, retinoids, and DUOBRII Lotion. DUOBRII Lotion has antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, and antipruritic properties. It also increases epidermal differentiation and collagen.

	Corticosteroids	Retinoids	DUOBRII Lotion

Antiinﬂammatory
Antiproliferative
Increase epidermal differentiation
Antipruritic
Increase collagen

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) guidelines give the combination of a corticosteroid and a retinoid an A rating with Evidence Level I for the treatment of psoriasis⁴

Both agents work together, targeting distinct pathways for comprehensive benefits

Halobetasolprovides antiinﬂammatory effects with some antiproliferative action
Tazaroteneprovides antiproliferative effects with some antiinflammatory action

AAD guidelines confirm that steroid/retinoid therapy may delay relapse and extend treatment duration⁴

Corticosteroids and retinoids work together to reduce inflammation and extend therapeutic effects

Halobetasol

exerts antiinflammatory, antipruritic, antiproliferative, and vasoconstrictive effects^2,4

Tazarotene

increases collagen to potentially decrease risk of steroid-induced atrophy. It also regulates cell growth and specialization to reduce hyperproliferations^2-4

The only potent-to-superpotent steroid that has no time limits on use; use only until control is achieved^1,5-9

DUOBRII Lotion was studied in two 8-week clinical trials and a 1-year safety study. Discontinue treatment if atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, or folliculitis occurs.^1,10

Long-term efficacy

Indication

DUOBRII^® (halobetasol propionate and tazarotene) Lotion, 0.01%/0.045%, is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults.

Important Safety Information

Contraindication

DUOBRII Lotion is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Warnings and Precautions

Women of child-bearing potential should be warned of the potential risk of fetal harm from DUOBRII and use adequate birth-control. A negative result for pregnancy should be obtained within 2 weeks prior to treatment. If the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, discontinue DUOBRII Lotion and advise patient of the potential hazard to the fetus.
DUOBRII Lotion has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during or after treatment and may require that patients be evaluated periodically during treatment.
Predisposing factors for HPA axis suppression include: use of more potent corticosteroids, use on large areas, use under occlusive dressings, use on altered skin barrier, concomitant use of other steroids, liver failure and young age.
Systemic effects of topical corticosteroids may also include Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria.
Local adverse reactions may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, folliculitis and contact dermatitis. If these effects occur, discontinue until the integrity of the skin has been restored. Do not resume treatment if contact dermatitis is identified. DUOBRII Lotion should not be used on eczematous skin, as it may cause severe irritation.
Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps and weather extremes. Patients with sunburn should be advised not to use DUOBRII Lotion until fully recovered. DUOBRII Lotion should be administered with caution if the patient is also taking drugs known to be photosensitizers because of the increased potential for photosensitivity.
Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma; advise patients to report any visual symptoms and refer to an ophthalmologist if needed.

Adverse Events

The most common adverse events in clinical trials were contact dermatitis (7%), application site pain (3%), folliculitis (2%), skin atrophy (2%), and excoriation (2%).

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ortho Dermatologics at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

References: 1. DUOBRII Lotion [prescribing information]. Bridgewater, NJ: Bausch Health US, LLC. 2. Norris DA. Mechanisms of action of topical therapies and the rationale for combination therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;53(1 Suppl 1):S17-S25. 3. Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):327-348. 4. Menter A, Korman NJ, Elmets CA, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Section 3. Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60(4):643-659. 5. Clobetasol propionate cream [prescribing information]. Lincolnton, NC: Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 6. Diprolene lotion [prescribing information]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 7. Enstilar foam [prescribing information]. Madison, NJ: LEO Pharma Inc. 8. Halobetasol propionate cream [prescribing information]. South Plainfield, NJ: G&W Laboratories, Inc. 9. Mometasone furoate cream [prescribing information]. South Plainfield, NJ: G&W Laboratories, Inc. 10. Data on file.