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Compare Tretinoin vs. Botox

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

Key takeaways

Retin-A (tretinoin) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) are both prescription medications used for skin-related conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Retin-A is a retinoid used topically to treat acne, while Botox is a neuromuscular blocker injected to address various conditions, including muscle spasms and excessive sweating. Both medications are also often used to reduce wrinkles. Retin-A is applied as a cream or gel once daily, typically at bedtime. Botox is injected by a healthcare professional, and is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of Retin-A include skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight, whereas Botox can cause urinary tract infections, neck pain, and muscle weakness, among other side effects.

Retin-a (tretinoin)
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Retin-a (tretinoin)
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Summary of Tretinoin vs. Botox
Summary for Retinoid
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.
Summary for Neuromuscular blocker
Prescription only
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection used for many medical conditions caused by muscle overactivity or nerve problems. It's FDA approved for treating conditions like overactive bladder, excessive armpit sweating, and for preventing migraines. The medication is injected by a trained healthcare professional. Side effects depend on where the injection is given, but they can include urinary tract infections, headache, and neck pain. <br> Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is different from Botox Cosmetic, which is used for facial and neck lines.
Indications of Tretinoin vs. Botox
Indications for

•Acne

Indications for

•Overactive bladder (OAB) - adults

•Loss of bladder control caused by nerve-bladder problems - adults

•Nerve-related bladder problem - children 5 years and older

•Headache prevention for chronic migraine - adults

•Muscle spasms - adults and children 2 years and older

•Neck muscle spasms - adults

•Excessive armpit sweating - adults

•Eyelid twitching - adults and children 12 years and older

•Crossed eyes - adults and children 12 years and older
Pros and Cons of Tretinoin vs. Botox
Pros and Const for Retinoid
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

Pros and Const for Neuromuscular blocker
Pros

•FDA approved to treat many different conditions

•Might be a good option when other treatments have failed

•Injected directly into the area causing trouble

•Effects last a few months

Cons

•Needs to be injected by a healthcare professional

•Injections can be uncomfortable

•Has serious risks if the toxin spreads to other parts of your body

•Might need to get repeat treatments
Common Side Effects of Tretinoin vs. Botox
Common Side Effects for

•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

Common Side Effects for
Overactive bladder:

•Urinary tract infection (18%)

•Painful urination (9%)

•Trouble emptying the bladder (6%)

Loss of bladder control:

•Urinary tract infection (24-26%)

•Urine left in the bladder (17%)

•Trouble emptying the bladder (15-17%)

•Difficulty passing urine (15%)

Chronic migraine:

•Neck pain (9%)

•Headache (5%)

Muscle spasms:

•Pain in the arm or leg (up to 9%)

•Muscle weakness (up to 4%)

Neck muscle spasm:

•Trouble swallowing (19%)

•Upper respiratory infection (12%)

•Neck pain (11%)

•Headache (11%)

Excessive armpit sweating:

•Injection site pain (3-10%)

•Bleeding (3-10%)

•Infection (3-10%)

Eyelid twitching:

•Droopy eyelid (21%)

•Damage to surface of the eye (6%)

•Dry eye (6%)

Crossed eyes:

•Droopy eyelid (1-38%)

•Eye misalignment (17%)
Warnings of Tretinoin vs. Botox
Common Side Effects for

•Sunburns

•Skin irritation in extreme weather

•Skin reactions

Common Side Effects for

•Spread of toxin effect

•Serious allergic reaction

•Difficulty swallowing or breathing

•Lung problems in people with breathing conditions

•Eye problems and bleeding

•Bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections

•Overactive nervous system

•Urinary tract infections

•Trouble emptying the bladder

•Transmission of diseases
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Key takeaways

Summary of Tretinoin vs. Botox

Indications of Tretinoin vs. Botox

Pros and Cons of Tretinoin vs. Botox

Common Side Effects of Tretinoin vs. Botox

Warnings of Tretinoin vs. Botox

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