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Duobrii vs. Tremfya

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

Key takeaways

Duobrii (halobetasol/tazarotene) and Tremfya (guselkumab) are both used to treat plaque psoriasis, but they work in different ways and are used for different severities of the condition. Duobrii is a topical lotion that combines a corticosteroid and a retinoid to reduce inflammation and alter skin cell growth. It's applied once daily and is only available as a brand-name medication. On the other hand, Tremfya is an injection that targets a specific protein interleukin-23 (IL-23) to lower inflammation and is used for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Tremfya is also a brand-name medication and is injected every 8 weeks after initial doses. Duobrii can cause skin sensitivity to the sun and isn't recommended for long-term use, while Tremfya can raise the risk of infections and requires monitoring for tuberculosis. Additionally, Duobrii is not safe for use during pregnancy, whereas the safety of Tremfya during pregnancy is not well established.

Duobrii

(halobetasol / tazarotene)

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Tremfya

(guselkumab)

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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 Tremfya

Prescription only

Tremfya (guselkumab) is an injection used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. It's for people ages 6 year and older with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It can also treat adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease. This medication is an interleukin antagonist that works to lower inflammation. The dosing schedule is usually every 2 months after the starter doses. Adults with UC or Crohn's disease can also get their maintenance doses once a month. Side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. Long-term side effects include a risk of other infections and liver problems.

Indications for Tremfya

Pros and Cons for Tremfya

Pros

  • Approved for adults and children 6 years and up weighing at least 88 lbs with either plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
  • Given every 1 or 2 months (depending on your condition and treatment plan)
  • Few side effects
  • Can give yourself injections under the skin at home after you get trained

Cons

  • Given as an injection
  • Raises the risk of infections
  • Can cause some injection site reactions
  • Can take several months to see the benefits of the medication

Common Side Effects for Tremfya

Warnings for Tremfya

  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Risk of infection
  • Liver damage
  • Interaction with vaccines

Prices with our coupons for Duobrii vs. Tremfya

Price Card Drug Icon
Duobrii1 tube / 100g of 0.01%/0.045%
$1,068.62-
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Tremfya1 injection / 1ml of 100mg/ml
$13,364.33-
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