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Compare Renova vs. Claravis

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

Key takeaways

Tretinoin (Renova) and isotretinoin (Claravis) are both retinoic acid derivatives used for different skin conditions. Tretinoin is a topical cream applied once daily to reduce fine facial wrinkles, while isotretinoin is an oral medication taken twice daily to treat severe nodular acne that hasn't responded to other treatments. Both medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight requires sun protection. Additionally, both tretinoin and isotretinoin can cause birth defects. Because of the possibility of severe birth defects with isotretinoin, people taking it to enroll in the iPLEDGE program and use two forms of birth control. Isotretinoin also has more severe potential side effects, including depression, liver damage, and serious skin reactions, whereas tretinoin mainly causes skin-related side effects like redness and peeling. Both medications require a prescription and have generic versions available.

  • Renova (tretinoin)
    Isotretinoin
  • Renova (tretinoin)
    Isotretinoin

  • Summary of Renova vs. Claravis

    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.

    Summary for Retinoic acid derivative
    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 of Renova vs. Claravis

    Indications for
    •Lessen the look of fine face wrinkles
    Indications for
    •Nodular acne that hasn't responded well to other treatments

  • Pros and Cons of Renova vs. Claravis

    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
    Pros and Const for Retinoic acid derivative
    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 of Renova vs. Claravis

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 of Renova vs. Claravis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Sunburns
    •Harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Renova vs. Claravis

    Learn more about Renova
    Learn more about Isotretinoin

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