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Compare Tretinoin vs. Botox

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

  • 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 used for many movement problems, bladder problems, and headache prevention, but it can have dangerous side effects if it spreads to areas outside of the injection area. It's only available as an injection that's administered by a healthcare provider.

  • Indications of Tretinoin vs. Botox

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Overactive bladder (OAB) in adults
    •Loss of bladder control due to nerve problems in people 5 years and older
    •Headache prevention in adults with long-term migraine (headaches lasting 4 hours or longer for 15 or more days per month)
    •Muscle spasms in people 2 years and older
    •Neck spasms in adults
    •Excessive armpit sweating in adults
    •Eyelid twitching in people 12 years and older
    •Crossed eyes in people 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
    •Works well to treat and prevent many different conditions
    •Might be a good option when other treatments have failed
    •Injected directly into the affected area(s)
    •Effects can last many weeks or even months
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected by a healthcare provider
    •Injections can be uncomfortable
    •Has serious risks if the toxin spreads to other parts of your body
    •Brand only, so might be expensive

  • 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

    OAB

    •Urinary tract infection (UTI, 18%)
    •Painful urination (9%)
    •Difficulty passing urine (6%)

    Loss of bladder control

    •Urinary tract infection (UTI, 24-26% in adults, 7% in children)
    •Urine left in bladder (17% in adults)
    •Difficulty passing urine (15-17% in adults)
    •Bacteria in urine (9% in adults, 20% in children)
    •White blood cells in urine (7% in children)
    •Painful urination (5% in adults)

    Migraine prevention in adults

    •Neck pain (9%)
    •Headache (5%)

    ^*Not a comprehensive list of side effects, as they vary depending on the condition you have. Refer to the source below for more details.^

  • Warnings of Tretinoin vs. Botox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Spread of toxin effects
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Higher risk of side effects
    •Difficulty swallowing or breathing
    •Reduced blinking and eye bleeding
    •Abnormal overreaction of your nervous system (autonomic dysreflexia)
    •Higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) and trouble urinating (urinary retention)

  • Prices with our coupons for Tretinoin vs. Botox

    Learn more about Retin-a
    Learn more about Botox

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