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Isotretinoin vs. Tretinoin

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

Key takeaways

Isotretinoin and tretinoin (Retin-A) are both medications derived from vitamin A and belong to the retinoid class. They are used to treat different conditions: isotretinoin is primarily used for severe nodular acne, while tretinoin (Retin-A) is an topical medication used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. Isotretinoin is taken orally twice daily for 4 to 5 months, with dosing based on body weight, and is available in generic forms like Claravis and Amnesteem. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is applied once daily to the skin and is available in generic forms as a cream or gel. Isotretinoin requires the use of two forms of birth control due to the risk of birth defects. Tretinoin (Retin-A) isn't typically recommended for use during pregnancy. Common side effects of isotretinoin include dry skin and lips, while tretinoin (Retin-A) can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Isotretinoin can interact with vitamin A supplements and tetracycline antibiotics. Tretinoin (Retin-A) may cause your acne to get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication.

Isotretinoin

 

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Retin-A

(tretinoin)

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Summary for Isotretinoin

Prescription only

Isotretinoin is used to treat nodular acne that can't be cleared up by other acne treatments, including antibiotics. It's taken by mouth twice daily, typically for 4 to 5 months at a time. Because of the risk of serious birth defects, people who can get pregnant need to take pregnancy tests and use birth control before, during, and after treatment. Some common side effects include dry lips, dry skin, back pain, and dry eye. While isotretinoin is no longer available as brand name Accutane, you can still find it under other brands (e.g., Claravis and Amnesteem) and also as lower-cost generics.

Indications for Isotretinoin

  • Nodular acne that hasn't responded well to other treatments

Pros and Cons for Isotretinoin

Pros

  • Works well to clear your skin of severe acne when other treatments haven't worked as well
  • Most people experience clearer skin after just one course of treatment
  • Only need to take for 4 to 5 months for each treatment
  • Clearer skin can last for a while even after you've stopped taking isotretinoin

Cons

  • Can cause serious birth defects
  • Might be at higher risk of bone fractures if you play sports a lot
  • Can raise your blood sugar levels, and you might need to monitor your sugar levels more often
  • Not a good choice if you have a history of mental health problems, including depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts

Common Side Effects for Isotretinoin

  • Dry skin
  • Worsening acne when first starting treatment
  • Dry lips
  • Chapped lips or swelling of the lips
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye problems, including blurry vision
  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Nose bleeds
  • Headache
  • Cold-like symptoms

Warnings for Isotretinoin

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Depression and thoughts of self-harm
  • Higher pressure in the brain
  • Serious skin reaction
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Hearing problems
  • Liver problems
  • Inflammation of the gut
  • Bone fractures and muscle pain
  • Eye problems

Summary for Tretinoin

Prescription only

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

Indications for Tretinoin

  • Acne

Pros and Cons for Tretinoin

Pros

  • Easy to apply onto your skin
  • Only need to apply once nightly
  • Available in a lower-cost generic form

Cons

  • Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
  • Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
  • Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

Common Side Effects for Tretinoin

  • Skin peeling or discomfort
  • Warm feeling or stinging after applying
  • Skin redness
  • Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
  • Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

Warnings for Tretinoin

  • Sunburns
  • Skin irritation in extreme weather
  • Skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Isotretinoin vs. Tretinoin

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Isotretinoin30 capsules / 30mg
$57.46$218.11
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Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%
$38.37$287.44
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