Compare Claravis vs. Epiduo
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Isotretinoin (brands: Claravis, Absorica, Amnesteem, Myorisan, Zenatane) and Epiduo (adapalene/benzoyl peroxide) are both used to treat acne, but they have some key differences. Isotretinoin is an oral medication typically taken twice daily for 4 to 5 months at a time, while Epiduo is a topical gel applied once daily. Isotretinoin is a retinoic acid derivative that reduces oil production in the skin, whereas Epiduo combines a retinoid (adapalene) and a topical antibiotic (benzoyl peroxide) to stop pimples from forming and kill acne-causing bacteria. Isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects, so people who can get pregnant must follow strict birth control measures and register with the iPLEDGE program. Epiduo, on the other hand, can cause skin irritation but does not have the same severe birth defect risks. Isotretinoin is typically used for severe acne that hasn't responded to other treatments, while Epiduo is used for mild-to-moderate acne.
- IsotretinoinEpiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
- IsotretinoinEpiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
Summary of Claravis vs. Epiduo
Summary for Retinoic acid derivativePrescription onlyIsotretinoin 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 / Topical antibioticPrescription onlyEpiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is a topical gel that contains two active ingredients: adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antiseptic). It's FDA approved to treat acne (pimples) in adults and children. The gel is typically applied to the skin once a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include dry skin, skin irritation, and skin burning. The medication is available as a generic and under two brand names: Epiduo and Epiduo Forte.
Indications of Claravis vs. Epiduo
Indications for•Nodular acne that hasn't responded well to other treatmentsIndications forPros and Cons of Claravis vs. Epiduo
Pros and Const for Retinoic acid derivativePros•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 isotretinoinCons•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 thoughtsPros and Const for Retinoid / Topical antibioticPros•Combination of two medications in a single product•Only needs to be applied once a day•Easy to apply•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight•Can bleach clothing and bed sheets•Can make skin dry or irritated•Your skin might look worse before it starts looking betterCommon Side Effects of Claravis vs. Epiduo
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•Nose bleeds•Headache•Cold-like symptomsCommon Side Effects forEpiduo:
•Dry skin (7%)•Rash (3%)Epiduo Forte:
•Skin irritation (4%)Warnings of Claravis vs. Epiduo
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 problemsCommon Side Effects for•Sunburn•Skin irritationPrices with our coupons for Claravis vs. Epiduo
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