Fabior® foam: A dermatologist’s guide on this effective acne treatment for the face and body

Table of Content:
What is Fabior foam? | Can it be used for anti-aging? | Is Fabior a retinoid? | How does it work against acne? | What makes it unique? | Side effects | How to use it? | FAQ

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What is Fabior foam and what is it used for?

Fabior® Foam is a topical prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of facial and truncal acne¹ in men, women (who have no desire to be mothers during treatment, who are not pregnant or breastfeeding) and children over 12 years of age.

By learning more about Fabior foam and other acne treatment options such as tretinoin, adapalene, trifarotene, spironolactone and Winlevi® can help you and your online dermatologist choose the right medication for your needs.

Can Fabior foam be used for the treatment of photoaging and hyperpigmentation?

Tazarotene, the active ingredient in Fabior foam, is also indicated for the treatment of photoaging² and psoriasis³; however as per the patient leaflet, Fabior foam is not intended for these treatments.

Is Fabior foam a retinoid?

Tazarotene is a topical, third generation retinoid. It acts as a prodrug for tazarotenic acid, meaning that when it is applied and absorbed by the skin, the body converts it into its active form. This conversion enhances the medication’s effectiveness while minimizing the potential side effects^{4 5}.

Tretinoin, adapalene, trifarotene and isotretinoin are also retinoids used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions.

How does Fabior foam work against acne breakouts?

Fabior foam (tazarotene foam) has several therapeutic effects in the treatment of acne. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• Anti hyperproliferative effect: Fabior foam helps reduce excessive cell growth in the skin avoiding follicle obstruction which is associated with the development of acne lesions.

• Normalizing-of-differentiation effect: Fabior foam promotes the normal maturation and differentiation of skin cells and decreases inflammation of skin cells helping to prevent the formation of comedones (clogged pores).

• Anti-inflammatory effect: Fabior foam has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the inflammation associated with acne.

• Increased cell turnover: By doing this, Fabior foam promotes a quicker renewal of the skin, which leads to reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in these areas, helping to achieve a more uniform skin tone ⁶.

What makes Fabior foam unique?

Fabior Foam is the first of its kind topical retinoid available as foam, indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe (facial and truncal) acne for inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions⁷.  

Side effects of Fabior foam

Fabior foam is typically well tolerated and has mild side effects similar effects to other retinoids.

• Skin irritation
• Dryness
• Redness
• Skin peeling¹²

How to use/apply Fabior foam? 

Wash the affected area with a mild cleanser and let the skin dry completely before application. Once the skin is fully dry, and clean, apply a thin layer of Fabior Foam to the affected skin areas in your face and upper trunk once daily during the night. It is important to remember that since it is a retinoid, you need to apply sunscreen with SPF 50 during the duration of the treatment.

Avoid application near the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. After application, wash your hands thoroughly¹³.

Warnings and considerations when using Fabior foam

Fabior Foam contains tazarotene, a substance that causes harm in unborn babies, therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Females of childbearing age should use effective contraception while using Fabior Foam.

Patients with a history of local tolerability reactions or local hypersensitivity should use caution when using Fabior Foam.

Fabior Foam can increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn. It is important to avoid sun exposure, sunlamps, and extreme weather conditions. Patients are also encouraged to use sunscreen with a high SPF on a daily basis in the skin areas where the product is applied.

Fabior Foam is flammable, therefore, patients should avoid exposure to fire, flames, and smoking during and immediately after application^14. 

Got any more questions about Fabior foam?

Where can you get a prescription for Fabior foam?

It is advisable to get a virtual consultation with a independent online dermatologist which costs $59. They will review your medication request and get back to you within 1-2 days. You can purchase your medication at a local pharmacy then.

What is the price/cost of Fabior foam in the US?

The price of Fabior foam is typically around $600 without any discounts or coupons.

*The price range listed here is just an estimation. Medication prices may vary depending on the state and the pharmacy selected. Miiskin is not responsible and cannot influence the price of the medication as it is independent from these entities.

Are there any coupons or savings cards for Fabior foam?

Yes, with a patient’s savings card (manufacturer’s coupon) the price of a 50 gr can is around $60*.

*The price range listed here is just an estimation. Medication prices may vary depending on the state and the pharmacy selected. Miiskin is not responsible and cannot influence the price of the medication as it is independent from these entities.

Is there a generic version of Fabior foam?

Yes, it is called Tazarotene and it is available as a cream, gel or lotion. Alternatively, you can get a customized formula for your skin that is as effective as Fabior Foam but more affordable.

Who is it Fabior foam for?

Fabior Foam is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients  12 years of age or older supervised by a dermatologist.

Who cannot use Fabior foam?

Women who are pregnant, planning to be pregnant or breastfeeding. All retinoids are considered teratogenic^15. It is important to note that since it is a retinoid it should not be used simultaneously with other retinoids, exfoliants or products that accelerate skin renewal.

Can Fabior foam be purchased over the counter (OTC)?

No, Fabior foam is a prescription medication and cannot be purchased over the counter (OTC). You can request a virtual visit with a dermatologist to review your case and request a Fabior prescription by clicking on the banners.

Is Fabior foam covered by commercial insurance?

Fabior is covered by many insurance health plans, however, it depends on your particular insurance plan. 

Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4043801/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2544371/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/tazarotene
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/tazarotene
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3978533/
https://www.fabior.com/patient/why-fabior/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/tazarotene
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/202428lbl.pdf
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/tog.12075

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