Dapsone vs. Tretinoin for Acne: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dapsone

Retin-A

(tretinoin)

Summary for Dapsone

Prescription only

Dapsone is a tablet that's used for treating a skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis and leprosy in children and adults. It belongs to the drug class known as sulfones. This medication is typically taken by mouth once a day. Side effects can include low red blood cells, nausea, and stomach pain. Dapsone is no longer available as a brand name, and only comes as a generic.

Indications for Dapsone

Dermatitis herpetiformis
Leprosy

Pros and Cons for Dapsone

Pros

Only taken once a day
Works to relieve itching from dermatitis herpetiformis within days of starting
Option for children

Cons

Can cause serious blood-related side effects
Must be taken with other medications to treat leprosy
Not safe to take while breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Dapsone

Lower red blood cell counts
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain

Warnings for Dapsone

Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)
Low blood cell counts
Severe skin reactions
Liver damage and jaundice

Summary for Tretinoin

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 for Tretinoin

Acne

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

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 for Tretinoin

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 for Tretinoin

Sunburns
Skin irritation in extreme weather
Skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Dapsone vs. Tretinoin

Dapsone1 pump / 60g of 7.5%

$55.93$629.19

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Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%

$30.15$95.89

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Dapsone vs. Tretinoin

Dapsone

Retin-A

Summary for Dapsone

Indications for Dapsone

Pros and Cons for Dapsone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dapsone

Warnings for Dapsone

Summary for Tretinoin

Indications for Tretinoin

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tretinoin

Warnings for Tretinoin

Prices with our coupons for Dapsone vs. Tretinoin

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Dapsone

Retin-A

Summary for Dapsone

Indications for Dapsone

Pros and Cons for Dapsone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dapsone

Warnings for Dapsone

Summary for Tretinoin

Indications for Tretinoin

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tretinoin

Warnings for Tretinoin