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Duobrii vs. Ultravate

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

Key takeaways

Halobetasol-tazarotene topical (Duobrii) and halobetasol topical (Bryhali, Lexette, Ultravate) are both used to treat plaque psoriasis, but they belong to different medication classes. Duobrii is a combination of a corticosteroid (halobetasol) and a retinoid (tazarotene), while halobetasol topical is solely a corticosteroid. Duobrii is applied once daily and is only available as a brand-name lotion, whereas halobetasol topical comes in various forms, including creams, ointments, lotions, and foams, and is available as a lower-cost generic. Duobrii is specifically for adults, while some forms of halobetasol can be used by individuals aged 12 and older. Side effects of Duobrii may include skin rash and pain at the application site, while halobetasol may cause burning and stinging sensations on the skin. Both medications can cause skin thinning and should not be used on the face, groin, or underarms. Additionally, Duobrii is not safe for use during pregnancy due to the presence of tazarotene, which can harm an unborn baby.

Duobrii

(halobetasol / tazarotene)

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Halobetasol

 

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Summary for Duobrii

Prescription only

Duobrii is a combination medication that contains halobetasol (a corticosteroid) and tazarotene (a retinoid). It's a prescription topical lotion that's FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. The directions for using the medication are to apply a thin amount over the affected area(s) of skin once per day. But avoid putting on the face, groin, and underarms. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin rash and pain at the site of application. Duobrii is brand name only and not available as a generic.

Indications for Duobrii

Pros and Cons for Duobrii

Pros

  • Applied once daily
  • Combines two medications into one lotion
  • Might see some improvements in as early as 2 weeks

Cons

  • For adults only; not studied in children
  • Not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Available as a brand-name product only

Common Side Effects for Duobrii

  • Skin rash (7%)
  • Pain where the medication was applied (3%)

Warnings for Duobrii

  • Harm to unborn babies
  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Skin reactions and skin infections
  • Sun sensitivity and risk of sunburn
  • Cataracts and glaucoma

Summary for Ultravate

Prescription only

Halobetasol propionate is a super potent topical steroid that people can use to treat inflammatory skin conditions, including plaque psoriasis. It's applied directly to the affected skin once or twice per day. Halobetasol comes in many different forms, including generic creams, generic ointments, and brand-name lotions (Bryhali, Ultravate). In addition, there's a halobetasol foam called Lexette that's also available as a generic. Side effects aren't common but typically include skin irritation and burning.

Indications for Ultravate

  • Inflammatory skin conditions - cream and ointment only
  • Plaque psoriasis - lotion and foam only

Pros and Cons for Ultravate

Pros

  • Good choice for severe inflammatory skin problems since it's a super potent topical steroid
  • Available in many different forms (cream, ointment, lotion, and foam)
  • Generally well tolerated with few possible skin reactions

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ultravate

  • Burning feeling on the skin
  • Stinging feeling on the skin

Warnings for Ultravate

  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Skin reactions
  • Need appropriate treatment for skin infections
  • Risk for cataracts and glaucoma
  • Flammable (foam only)

Prices with our coupons for Duobrii vs. Ultravate

Price Card Drug Icon
Duobrii1 tube / 100g of 0.01%/0.045%
$1,020.61$1,252.70
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Price Card Drug Icon
Halobetasol1 tube / 50g of 0.05%
$38.92$214.91
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