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Compare Humira vs. Tazorac

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

Key takeaways

Humira (adalimumab) and Tazarotene (Tazorac) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and work in different ways. Humira is an injectable biologic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) used to treat various autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and plaque psoriasis. It works by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to reduce inflammation. On the other hand, Tazarotene is a topical retinoid used mainly for treating acne and plaque psoriasis. It helps skin cells renew faster, improving skin appearance and texture. Humira is administered subcutaneously every other week, while Tazarotene is applied daily to the skin. Humira can be used in children as young as 2 years old for some conditions, whereas Tazarotene is approved for children as young as 9 years and older. Humira has serious risks like infections and cancer, while Tazarotene mainly causes skin irritation and increased sun sensitivity. Additionally, Tazarotene is not safe during pregnancy, whereas Humira has no such restriction.

  • Humira (adalimumab)
    Tazarotene (Tazorac)
  • Humira (adalimumab)
    Tazarotene (Tazorac)

  • Summary of Humira vs. Tazorac

    Summary for Biologic DMARD
    Prescription only

    Humira (adalimumab) is an injectable medication used for treating many different autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and plaque psoriasis. It's usually given every other week, and it can be used alone or taken with methotrexate or other non-biologic medications. This medication is available as many different brands (or biosimilars).

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a topical retinoid that's used for treating acne and plaque psoriasis. It helps exfoliate the skin and lessen skin inflammation. Tazarotene (Tazorac) is available as a cream and a gel that's applied directly to the affected areas of skin once per day. Adults can use either the cream or gel. Certain children can also use this medication depending on how old they are, whether they have acne or psoriasis, and whether they're using the cream or gel. Side effects include skin irritation and itching. It can also raise your risk for sunburns.

  • Indications of Humira vs. Tazorac

    Indications for
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
    •Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
    •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
    •Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
    •Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
    •Plaque psoriasis - adults only
    •Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
    •Uveitis - people age 2 and older
    Indications for
    •Acne - 0.1% strength only
    •Plaque psoriasis - 0.05% and 1% strengths

  • Pros and Cons of Humira vs. Tazorac

    Pros and Const for Biologic DMARD
    Pros
    •Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
    •Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
    •Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
    •Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
    •Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed
    Cons
    •Raises the risk of serious infections
    •Might raise the risk of lymphoma and skin cancers
    •Might be difficult to inject for some people
    •Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
    •Contains rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Works well for treating acne and plaque psoriasis
    •Used once per day
    •Available as a gel and cream
    Cons
    •Can take a few months to see significant skin improvement
    •Can make your skin more irritated or more likely to burn
    •Not safe to use while pregnant

  • Common Side Effects of Humira vs. Tazorac

    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site reaction (20%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
    •Headache (12%)
    •Rash (12%)
    •Sinus inflammation (11%)
    •Accidental injury (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry skin
    •Skin peeling or flaking
    •Itching
    •Skin redness
    •Burning or stinging feeling on the skin

  • Warnings of Humira vs. Tazorac

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Cancers
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Nervous system effects
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Heart failure
    •Live vaccines
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Risk for sunburn
    •Skin irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Humira vs. Tazorac

    Learn more about Humira
    Learn more about Tazarotene

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