Compare clobetasol vs. Desonate
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps with inflamed and itchy skin.
Clobex (clobetasol) is a very strong topical medication that is effective for treating certain skin disorders and psoriasis, but it's expensive and should only be used for a maximum of 2 weeks at a time.
Treats itchy, red, and dry skin rashes.
Desonate (desonide) is a cheap and effective topical treatment for mild skin rashes, but may not treat more serious skin conditions.
Upsides
- Clobex (clobetasol) is the strongest topical steroid medicine available in the U.S. and is effective for treating skin inflammation and psoriasis.
- Clobex (clobetasol) comes in many different forms that makes it easy to use on various parts of the body.
- If Clobex (clobetasol) is applied sparingly and not used for more than 2 weeks at a time, there are fewer side effects compared to the oral version.
- Pregnant women can use Clobex (clobetasol) if approved by their doctor.
- Can be used in children as young as 3 months old and in adults.
- Available in cheaper, generic version.
- Compared to oral alternatives, this medicine has less side effects only if used sparingly for 4 weeks or less.
- Pregnant women can use Desonate (desonide) if approved by their doctor.
- Desonate (desonide) is mild strength so it likely won't cause many side effects.
Downsides
- Using Clobex (clobetasol) for more than 2 weeks at a time can cause side effects such as skin thinning and raised blood sugar.
- Clobex (clobetasol) is expensive and not covered by many insurance programs.
- Clobex (clobetasol) is not safe for use on areas of the face, underarms or groin.
- Not safe for children 12 years and younger.
- Using this medication long-term or using it too much can disturb your body's hormone balance.
- Must apply 2-3 times daily.
- Cannot use for more than 4 consecutive weeks at a time.
- As a milder steroid, it may not help serious skin conditions.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Foam
- Gel
- Liquid
- Lotion
- Shampoo
- Solution
- Emollient cream
- Cream
- Gel
- Ointment
- Foam
- Lotion
Price
Lowest price
$538.78
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$51.27
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Clobex (clobetasol) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Skin irritation and skin infection
- Open sores
- Skin thinning
- People age 65 and older
- Raised blood sugar
- Using Clobex (clobetasol) for more than 2 weeks
- Using Clobex (clobetasol) over large areas of skin
- Reduced hormone production
- Prolonged use (>4 weeks) of Desonate (desonide).
- Applying Desonate (desonide) to a large area of your body (>35% body surface area).
- Applying excessive amounts of Desonate (desonide) to your skin.
- Children.
- Skin infection
- Previous skin infection.
- Skin reaction
- Excessive and inappropriate use of Desonate (desonide).
- High concentration of Desonate (desonide)