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Compare Claravis vs. Differin

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

Key takeaways

Isotretinoin (Claravis, Absorica) and adapalene (Differin) are both used to treat acne, but they have some key differences. Isotretinoin is an oral medication taken twice daily for severe nodular acne that hasn't responded to other treatments. It works by reducing oil production in the skin and speeding up skin renewal. Adapalene, on the other hand, is a topical treatment applied once daily for mild-to-moderate acne. It helps by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Isotretinoin requires strict precautions due to its risk of causing serious birth defects, and everyone taking it must enroll in the iPLEDGE program. Adapalene is available both by prescription and over-the-counter in lower strengths, and while it can cause skin irritation, it doesn't carry the same severe risks as isotretinoin. Additionally, isotretinoin can lead to more serious side effects like depression and liver damage, whereas adapalene's side effects are generally limited to skin irritation and increased sun sensitivity.

  • Isotretinoin
    Differin (adapalene)
  • Isotretinoin
    Differin (adapalene)

  • Summary of Claravis vs. Differin

    Summary for Retinoic acid derivative
    Prescription only

    Isotretinoin is used to treat nodular acne that can't be cleared up by other acne treatments, including antibiotics. It's taken by mouth twice daily, typically for 4 to 5 months at a time. Because of the risk of serious birth defects, people who can get pregnant need to take pregnancy tests and use birth control before, during, and after treatment. Some common side effects include dry lips, dry skin, back pain, and dry eye. While isotretinoin is no longer available as brand name Accutane, you can still find it under other brands (e.g., Claravis and Amnesteem) and also as lower-cost generics.

    Summary for Retinoid

    Differin (adapalene) works well for treating mild-to-moderate acne. Differin (adapalene) can cause skin irritation, burning, and itching right after using it, so make sure you have moisturizer with you to help with this side effect. This acne treatment has different strengths and formulations (e.g., cream, gel, lotion). But only the lower strength gel is available over the counter.

  • Indications of Claravis vs. Differin

    Indications for
    •Nodular acne that hasn't responded well to other treatments
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Claravis vs. Differin

    Pros and Const for Retinoic acid derivative
    Pros
    •Works well to clear your skin of severe acne when other treatments haven't worked as well
    •Most people experience clearer skin after just one course of treatment
    •Only need to take for 4 to 5 months for each treatment
    •Clearer skin can last for a while even after you've stopped taking isotretinoin
    Cons
    •Can cause serious birth defects
    •Might be at higher risk of bone fractures if you play sports a lot
    •Can raise your blood sugar levels, and you might need to monitor your sugar levels more often
    •Not a good choice if you have a history of mental health problems, including depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating acne
    •Only need to apply once a day
    •Safe to use for acne in children 12 and older
    •The 0.1% gel is available without a prescription.
    Cons
    •Can get sunburns more easily
    •Can make skin dry, itchy, and flaky
    •Can take up to 12 weeks to see full effects
    •Skin might look worse before it starts looking better

  • Common Side Effects of Claravis vs. Differin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry skin
    •Worsening acne when first starting treatment
    •Dry lips
    •Chapped lips or swelling of the lips
    •Dry eyes
    •Eye problems, including blurry vision
    •Back pain
    •Joint pain
    •Nose bleeds
    •Headache
    •Cold-like symptoms
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry skin (up to 45%)
    •Scaling or peeling (up to 44%)
    •Stinging or burning (up to 29%)
    •Skin redness (up to 26%)

  • Warnings of Claravis vs. Differin

    Common Side Effects for
    •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 fractures and muscle pain
    •Eye problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Sunburn
    •Skin irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Claravis vs. Differin

    Learn more about Isotretinoin
    Learn more about Differin

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