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Compare Cabtreo vs. Adapalene

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

Cabtreo
Differin (adapalene)
Cabtreo
Differin (adapalene)

Summary of Cabtreo vs. Adapalene

Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic / Retinoid / Antiseptic
Prescription only

Cabtreo is a combination medication that’s made up of three active ingredients: clindamycin (an antibiotic), adapalene (a retinoid), and benzoyl peroxide (an antiseptic). These ingredients work together to treat acne in people 12 years of age and older. Cabtreo is a topical gel that’s applied as a thin layer onto the face once daily. Common side effects of the medication include pain, redness, and dryness at the site of application.

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 Cabtreo vs. Adapalene

Indications for
•Acne
Indications for
•Acne

Pros and Cons of Cabtreo vs. Adapalene

Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic / Retinoid / Antiseptic
Pros
•Three medications that treat acne in one product, so it’s convenient
•Applied to the skin
•Approved for children ages 12 years and older
Cons
•Uncomfortable side effects like pain at the application site and skin peeling
•Skin can become sensitive to the sun, which can increase the likelihood of sunburns
•May bleach your hair, clothing, and bedding
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 Cabtreo vs. Adapalene

Common Side Effects for
•Pain at the application site (14%)
•Skin redness (5%)
•Dry skin (4%)
•Skin irritation (2%)
•Skin peeling or flaky skin (2%)
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 Cabtreo vs. Adapalene

Common Side Effects for
•Serious gut problems
•Skin that's sensitive to sunlight
•Skin irritation
Common Side Effects for
•Allergic reactions
•Sunburn
•Skin irritation

Prices with our coupons for Cabtreo vs. Adapalene

Learn more about Cabtreo
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