Accutane vs. Differin

• Are Accutane and Differin the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Accutane?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Differin?
• What is Accutane?
• What is Differin?
• What Drugs Interact with Accutane?
• What Drugs Interact with Differin?
• How Should Accutane Be Taken?
• How Should Differin Be Taken?

Accutane (isotretinoin) and Differin (adapalene) are forms of vitamin A called retinoids used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne.

The brand name Accutane is discontinued in the U.S., but generic formulations are available.

Common side effects of Accutane include:

• dry skin,
• itching,
• rash,
• dry nose,
• nosebleeds,
• cracks in the corners of the mouth,
• dry mouth,
• dry lips,
• cracking or peeling skin,
• inflammation of the whites of the eyes,
• dry eyes,
• joint pain,
• back pain,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• nervousness, or
• changes in your fingernails or toenails.

Common side effects of Differin include:

• a brief sensation of warmth or stinging immediately after applying the medication.

Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using Differin Gel 0.3%. These side effects usually decrease with continued use Differin Gel 0.3%. Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Differin Gel 0.3% including:

• very red or irritated skin,
• an intense burning sensation,
• eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis),
• eyelid swelling, or
• skin discoloration.

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a retinoid used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. The brand name Accutane is discontinued in the U.S., but generic formulations are available.

Differin (adapalene) Gel 0.3% is a topical (applied to the skin) medication similar to vitamin A used to treat severe acne in people who are at least 12 years old. Differin Gel 0.3% is available in generic form.

Accutane may interact with steroids, seizure medications, or tetracycline antibiotics

Differin may interact with steroids or tetracycline antibiotics.

Differin may also interact with vitamin A, hormonal contraceptives, St. John's wort, and phenytoin.

The recommended dose of Accutane is 0.5 to 2 mg per kg of body weight daily.

Differin Gel 0.3% should be applied in a thin film to the entire face and any other affected areas of the skin once daily in the evening, after washing gently with a non-medicated soap.