| Summary: | HP/TAZ has a Health Canada indication for improving the signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis in adult patients with moderate-to severe plaque psoriasis. HP/TAZ is a combination product composed of a super-potent corticosteroid (0.01% w/w [weight for weight]HP) and a retinoid prodrug (0.045% w/w TAZ). The mechanism of action of topical corticosteroids is unclear, but they are thought to induce proteins that inhibit phospholipase A2, which is postulated to control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. TAZ is a retinoid prodrug and, while the exact mechanism of action in psoriasis is not completely defined, TAZ appears to have a role in reducing cell proliferation and hyperplasia, suppressing inflammatory markers, and inhibiting elements of psoriatic scale. HP/TAZ is available as a topical lotion and the Health Canada-recommended dose is to be applied in a thin layer to the affected area once a day
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