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Compare 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)
    Tremfya (guselkumab)
  • Duobrii (halobetasol / tazarotene)
    Tremfya (guselkumab)

  • Summary of Duobrii vs. Tremfya

    Summary for Corticosteroid / Retinoid
    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.

    Summary for Interleukin antagonist
    Prescription only

    Tremfya (guselkumab) is an injection for adults with certain inflammatory conditions. It helps treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Tremfya (guselkumab) is a monoclonal antibody known as an interleukin antagonist. It calms your immune system to lower inflammation. The dosing schedule is every 1 or 2 months, depending on your condition and how far along you are in treatment. Side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. There's also a risk of other infections and liver problems as long-term side effects.

  • Indications of Duobrii vs. Tremfya

    Indications for
    •Plaque psoriasis in adults
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
    •Active psoriatic arthritis
    •Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
    •Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)

  • Pros and Cons of Duobrii vs. Tremfya

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid / Retinoid
    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
    Pros and Const for Interleukin antagonist
    Pros
    •An option for adults with plaque psoriasis who've already tried topical treatment
    •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 under the skin or injection through the vein
    •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 of Duobrii vs. Tremfya

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin rash (7%)
    •Pain where the medication was applied (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infections (14%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Injection site reactions (5%)
    •Joint pain (3%)

  • Warnings of Duobrii vs. Tremfya

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Skin reactions and skin infections
    •Sun sensitivity and risk of sunburn
    •Cataracts and glaucoma
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infections
    •Liver damage
    •Interaction with vaccines

  • Prices with our coupons for Duobrii vs. Tremfya

    Learn more about Duobrii
    Learn more about Tremfya

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