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Compare Altreno vs. Tretinoin

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

Key takeaways

Tretinoin, available as Altreno (topical) and tretinoin oral capsules, is a retinoid medication used to treat different conditions. Both forms are derived from vitamin A and are used for their ability to promote cell turnover. Altreno (tretinoin) is a topical lotion used to treat acne in people 9 years and older, while tretinoin oral capsules are used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a type of blood cancer. Altreno is applied once daily to the skin, whereas tretinoin oral capsules are taken by mouth twice daily. Altreno is available by prescription only and is not available as a generic, while tretinoin oral capsules are available in generic form. Common side effects of Altreno include dryness, pain, and redness at the application site, while tretinoin oral capsules can cause severe headaches, dizziness, and a risk of blood clots. Additionally, tretinoin oral capsules have serious risks such as differentiation syndrome and birth defects if taken during pregnancy, requiring the use of two forms of birth control during treatment.

  • Altreno (tretinoin)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Altreno (tretinoin)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Altreno vs. Tretinoin

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Altreno (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in people 9 years and older. Altreno (tretinoin) is a lotion that you apply once daily to the affected area(s) on your skin. It isn't sold over the counter and requires a prescription. Some side effects of Altreno (tretinoin) include dryness, pain, and redness where you apply the medication.

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

  • Indications of Altreno vs. Tretinoin

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Altreno vs. Tretinoin

    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Applied once daily
    •Applied directly on the affected area(s)
    •Can use for acne in children as young as 9 years old
    Cons
    •Can take many weeks before you notice improvement in your skin
    •Causes your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Might not be the best option for people with fish allergies
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Easy to apply onto your skin
    •Only need to apply once nightly
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
    •Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Altreno vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry skin at application site (4%)
    •Pain at application site (3%)
    •Redness at application site (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling or discomfort
    •Warm feeling or stinging after applying
    •Skin redness
    •Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
    •Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

  • Warnings of Altreno vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Sunburns
    •Use with caution for people with fish allergies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Altreno vs. Tretinoin

    Learn more about Altreno
    Learn more about Retin-a

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