Compare Accutane vs. Cleocin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats severe acne.
Accutane (isotretinoin) works well against severe acne but has a lot of serious side effects. You will need to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 101 reviewsforAccutane
Treats acne.
Cleocin (clindamycin) is proven to be effective at treating acne when combined with another acne medicine and is available in a variety of formulations.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 115 reviewsforCleocin
Upsides
- Works well to clear your skin when other medicines have not worked for you.
- Most people experience clear skin after just one course of treatment. Clear skin can last for some time even after you've stopped taking Accutane (isotretinoin).
- You only have to take Accutane (isotretinoin) once or twice a day.
- Available in generic.
- Comes in different formulations (gel, solution, lotion, foam) to fit your preferences.
- Works well for the kind of acne that causes large, red, and swollen pimples.
Downsides
- Accutane (isotretinoin) can raise your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may have to monitor your sugar levels more frequently.
- If you play sports a lot, you may be at higher risk of bone fractures.
- You'll have to see your doctor every time to get a refill of Accutane (isotretinoin) because of the high risk of birth defects.
- Can cause serious bowel problems. Talk to your doctor if you experience loose stools, blood in the stools, or bad belly pain.
- Can damage your liver. Your doctor will do regular blood tests to make sure it's healthy.
- Foam formulation can cause headaches.
- You will likely have to use another acne medicine along with Cleocin (clindamycin) since it is not as effective by itself.
- Is only preferred for mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne your doctor will most likely prescribe an oral medication.
- If you only have comedonal acne (small skin-colored bumps on the skin) without any red, swollen pimples, your doctor may give you an alternative medicine.
Used for
- Acne (severe)
- Acne (moderate)
- Neuroblastoma, high risk
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Gel
- Foam
- Solution
- Lotion
Price
Lowest price
$82.13
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$125.46
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Reviews
101 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Accutane (isotretinoin)?
Leave a review115 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Cleocin (clindamycin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Accutane (isotretinoin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
9possible side effects
- Dryness23%
- Oiliness/Oily skin18%
- Redness16%
- Burning11%
- Burning/Itching11%
- Peeling11%
- Itching11%
- Burning where applied6%
- Headache3%
Risks and risk factors
- Harm to fetus
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- History of depression or other psychiatric condition
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Increased alcohol
- Serious skin reaction
- Bone fractures
- History of childhood osteoporosis or bone conditions
- Anorexia nervosa
- Taking anticonvulsant medicines
- Taking corticosteroids
- Problems with vitamin D breakdown
- Longer-term therapy with Accutane (isotretinoin)
- Eye problems
- History of eye problems
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Severe diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Using Cleocin (clindamycin) for a long time