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Accutane vs. Claravis

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Isotretinoin

(Accutane)

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Claravis

(isotretinoin)

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Summary for Accutane

Prescription only

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a retinoid medication used to treat severe acne in people 12 years and older when other acne treatments, including antibiotics, haven't worked. You take a capsule by mouth twice a day, usually for about 4 to 5 months at a time. Common side effects include dry lips, dry skin, back pain, and dry eye. Because isotretinoin (Accutane) can cause serious birth defects, it's only available through the special safety program called iPLEDGE.

Indications for Accutane

  • Severe nodular acne that hasn’t improved with other acne treatments, including antibiotics

Pros and Cons for Accutane

Pros

  • Works very well to treat severe acne
  • Only need to take for 4 to 5 months for each treatment
  • Can provide long-lasting results
  • Available as a capsule you take by mouth

Cons

  • Not safe in pregnancy
  • Requires monthly monitoring and iPLEDGE participation
  • Commonly causes dry skin and lips
  • Can cause serious mental health changes

Common Side Effects for Accutane

  • Dry lips
  • Dry skin
  • Back pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Joint pain
  • Nose bleeds
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Skin reactions
  • Muscle problems
  • Vision problems

Warnings for Accutane

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Depression and thoughts of self-harm
  • Higher pressure in the brain
  • Serious skin reaction
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Hearing problems
  • Liver problems
  • Inflammation of the gut
  • Bone and muscle problems
  • Eye problems
  • Serious allergic reactions

Summary for Claravis

Prescription only

Claravis (isotretinoin) is a prescription retinoid medication used to treat severe acne in people 12 years and older when other acne treatments haven't worked. You take a capsule by mouth twice a day, usually for 4 to 5 months at a time. Common side effects include dry lips, dry skin, back pain, and dry eyes. Because the medication can cause serious birth defects, it's only available through the special safety program called iPLEDGE.

Claravis (isotretinoin) is a branded-generic version of Accutane.

Indications for Claravis

  • Severe nodular acne that hasn’t improved with other acne treatments, including antibiotics

Pros and Cons for Claravis

Pros

  • Works very well to treat severe acne
  • Only need to take for 4 to 5 months for each treatment
  • Can provide long-lasting results
  • Available as a capsule you take by mouth

Cons

  • Not safe in pregnancy
  • Requires monthly monitoring and iPLEDGE participation
  • Commonly causes dry skin and lips
  • Can cause serious mental health changes

Common Side Effects for Claravis

  • Dry lips
  • Dry skin
  • Back pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Joint pain
  • Nose bleeds
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Skin reactions
  • Muscle problems
  • Vision problems

Warnings for Claravis

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Depression and thoughts of self-harm
  • Higher pressure in the brain
  • Serious skin reaction
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Hearing problems
  • Liver problems
  • Inflammation of the gut
  • Bone and muscle problems
  • Eye problems
  • Serious allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Accutane vs. Claravis

Price Card Drug Icon
Isotretinoin30 capsules / 30mg
$57.46$218.52
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Price Card Drug Icon
Claravis60 capsules / 40mg
$89.12$589.39
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