Drug & supplement interaction

Fig + Tazarotene

Tazarotene brand names: Avage, Tazorotene, Zorac, Fabior, Arazlo.

Moderate Interaction
Medically reviewed by · Updated September 2026
The bottom line Moderate

Fig has a moderate interaction with Tazarotene. Theoretically, fig might increase the risk of photosensitivity when used in combination with photosensitizing drugs.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
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Interaction report

Fig and Tazarotene

Here is the interaction we found between these two, with the evidence behind it.

Moderate

PHOTOSENSITIZING DRUGS

Why this applies to Tazarotene

Tazarotene falls under PHOTOSENSITIZING DRUGS — the group Fig interacts with.

Theoretically, fig might increase the risk of photosensitivity when used in combination with photosensitizing drugs.
Many cases of photodermatitis from fig leaf have been reported. Some drugs that also cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), quinolones (Ciprofloxacin, others), sulfa drugs (Septra, Bactrim, others), and tetracycline.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist for your skin: Tazarotene is a topical retinoid that already makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. You may notice easier sunburn, redness, stinging, or dryness on treated areas, especially early on. Fig, mainly the leaf and its sap, contains compounds (psoralens) that can also boost sun sensitivity, and there are real reports of rashes after fig leaf contact plus sun exposure.

Put the two together and, in theory, you could burn or irritate more quickly. This is a theoretical concern based on how each works, not a proven, dramatic reaction. Eating fresh figs is unlikely to matter much. With concentrated fig leaf products, be cautious. Either way, use sunscreen, limit sun, and check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Bollero, D., Stella, M., Rivolin, A., Cassano, P., Risso, D., and Vanzetti, M. Fig leaf tanning lotion and sun-related burns: case reports. Burns 2001;27(7):777-779. PubMed
  2. Ozdamar, E., Ozbek, S., and Akin, S. An unusual cause of burn injury: fig leaf decoction used as a remedy for a dermatitis of unknown etiology. J.Burn Care Rehabil. 2003;24(4):229-233. PubMed
  3. Munteanu, M. Contact dermatitis to the sap of fig-tree. Rev.Med.Chir Soc.Med.Nat.Iasi 1989;93(3):602.
  4. Lembo, G., Lo, Presti M., and Balato, N. Phytophotodermatitis due to ficus carica. Photodermatol. 1985;2(2):119-120.
  5. Micali, G., Nasca, M. R., and Musumeci, M. L. Severe phototoxic reaction secondary to the application of a fig leaves' decoction used as a tanning agent. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(3):212-213. PubMed
  6. Pinto AR, Machado Cunha I, Rebelo Gomes E. Fig Tree-Induced Phytophotodermatitis: A Case Report on the Perils of a Hobby. Cureus 2023;15(7):e41888. PubMed

What These Ratings Mean

Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.

Severity how clinically significant the interaction is
Major

Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.

Moderate

Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.

Minor

Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.

Likelihood how strong the evidence is that the interaction actually happens in people
  • LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
  • ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
  • UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Evidence the quality of the studies behind the rating (graded A–D)
  • AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
  • BCase-control study.
  • CConsensus.
  • DAnecdotal evidence.

These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.

Keep it in perspective

Fig Also Interacts With Other Medications

Fig has 409 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Tazarotene one above is one of them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Moderate 409 No known interaction 2,421 (incl. Tazarotene)
Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Fig

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Fig. Pick one to open its full report.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Tazarotene

This page covers Fig only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Tazarotene page lists 24 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Vitamin A (major), Alfalfa (moderate), Angelica Archangelica (moderate), Arrach (moderate) and Bergamot (moderate).

By severity: 1 major · 21 moderate · 2 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Tazarotene page

“Tazarotene (Fabior, Arazlo) is a topical retinoid, a vitamin A relative prescribed for acne and psoriasis, and its supplement list deserves genuine attention. The one major-rated entry is vitamin A itself.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Tazarotene interaction page

One more smart check

Taking Fig as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions

We hold 189 real supplement products containing Fig, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Fig. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Tazarotene too, on top of Fig — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:

How much people look this up

Where Fig and Tazarotene Sit Against Everything Else

Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.

Supplement Fig
Steady interest

#767 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today
Medication Tazarotene
Top half

#1,398 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.

Supplement

About Fig

What is Fig?

  • Constipation and digestive health
  • Blood sugar support
  • Cough and sore throat
  • Skin conditions (topical sap)
  • Source of fiber and minerals

Fig (Ficus carica) is a common fruit that has long been used as a gentle food remedy for constipation, and its leaves are used traditionally for blood sugar and coughs. The fruit is a safe and nutritious food, but evidence for fig leaf supplements treating specific health conditions is limited. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated fig leaf products, especially if you have diabetes.

Read the full Fig monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Tazarotene Topical

What Is Tazarotene Topical Used For?

Brand names: Avage, Tazorotene, Zorac, Fabior, Arazlo

Tazarotene cream 0.1% is used as part of a broader skin care routine to help lessen the look of fine facial wrinkles, mottled skin discoloration (uneven patches of lighter or darker skin), and benign facial lentigines (age spots or flat brown spots on the face). It is meant to be used alongside sun protection and a comprehensive skin care program.

It's important to know what tazarotene cream cannot do: it does not eliminate or prevent wrinkles, restore more youthful-looking skin, reverse sun damage, or repair photoaged skin. It has not been proven safe or effective for treating precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) or skin cancers. Tazarotene gel formulations are also used for plaque psoriasis and acne vulgaris.

See full Tazarotene Topical drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Fig

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Fig — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

0Major
409Moderate
0Minor
2,420No known interaction
409 Moderate 2,420 No interaction
Moderate

409 interactions

Showing 60 of 409 moderate interactions — see all 409 on the Fig page.

No interaction 2,420 drugs checked — show the list

We also checked Fig against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 2,420 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Fig list.

See the full Fig interactions page
See every supplement checked against Tazarotene, ranked by severity
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring
Fig monograph › Uses, safety, and every drug interaction in one place Tazarotene supplement interactions › Every supplement checked against Tazarotene, ranked by severity Tazarotene Topical drug information › The full plain-English guide to this medication Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Fig and Tazarotene Together: Common Questions

Can you take Fig with Tazarotene?
There is a moderate interaction, so it may be acceptable with monitoring or timing changes — but check with your pharmacist first. Read the full details on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before combining them.
How serious is the Fig and Tazarotene interaction?
We rate it Moderate. This combination may require monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one. Consult your pharmacist before using them together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Still Have a Question About Tazarotene and Fig?

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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.