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Compare Erygel vs. Renova

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

Key takeaways

Erythromycin (Erygel) and tretinoin (Renova) are both topical medications used for skin conditions, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses. Erythromycin (Erygel) is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat acne by preventing bacteria from growing on the skin. Tretinoin (Renova), on the other hand, is a retinoic acid derivative used to reduce fine facial wrinkles. While both medications can cause skin irritation, their side effects and precautions differ. Erythromycin (Erygel) can cause burning, peeling, and dryness, and it should not be combined with other topical acne treatments without a provider's guidance. Tretinoin (Renova) can also cause peeling and redness, and it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you should use sunscreen and protective clothing. Erythromycin (Erygel) is available as a generic, while tretinoin (Renova) is only available as a brand-name medication in this particular concentration. There are are generic tretinoin forms availible in different concentrations. Additionally, tretinoin (Renova) is not safe to use during pregnancy, whereas erythromycin (Erygel) is considered safe.

  • Erythromycin (Erygel)
    Renova (tretinoin)
  • Erythromycin (Erygel)
    Renova (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Erygel vs. Renova

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Erythromycin (Erygel) is an effective topical antibiotic medication used to treat acne. Similar to other topical acne medications, it can cause peeling, burning, and dryness of the skin. It can take up to 8 weeks to see any improvements in your acne.

    Summary for Retinoic acid derivative
    Prescription only

    Renova is a topical retinoid that contains tretinoin 0.02% cream. Renova (tretinoin) can ease fine facial wrinkles, in addition to the regular use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. But it won't help get rid of deep wrinkles or hyperpigmentation from years of sun damage. Renova (tretinoin) is applied to the face once daily in the evening. This medication commonly causes skin irritation and peeling as side effects. Renova is a prescription medication that's brand name only and not available as a generic.

  • Indications of Erygel vs. Renova

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Lessen the look of fine face wrinkles

  • Pros and Cons of Erygel vs. Renova

    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •A good option when over-the-counter acne treatments aren't working
    •Helpful if you have oily skin
    •Safe to use during pregnancy
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can take 6 to 8 weeks to start working
    •Can cause skin irritation, burning, and peeling
    •Can be harsh if you typically have dry skin
    •Known to cause bacterial resistance (bacteria that are difficult to kill with antibiotics)
    Pros and Const for Retinoic acid derivative
    Pros
    •Applied only once a day
    •Only need a small pearl-sized amount to have an effect
    •Can use with other cosmetics or skincare products (must wait at least 1 hour after applying Renova)
    Cons
    •Doesn't get rid of deep wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, reverse skin aging due to sun damage, or make skin younger
    •Can make you sunburn more easily
    •Not a good choice for females who want to become pregnant or are pregnant

  • Common Side Effects of Erygel vs. Renova

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning sensation (25%)
    •Skin peeling
    •Dry skin
    Common Side Effects for

    Almost all people who used Renova in clinical studies reported one or more of the following:

    •Burning or stinging
    •Peeling
    •Redness
    •Dry skin
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Erygel vs. Renova

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe diarrhea
    •Drug-resistant bacteria
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Sunburns
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Erygel vs. Renova

    Learn more about Erythromycin
    Learn more about Renova

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