Compare Differin vs. Aczone
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats acne.
Differin (adapalene) is commonly used for treating acne, but, it can cause skin irritation.
Treats acne.
Aczone (dapsone) is a highly safe and effective topical treatment for moderate to severe forms of acne, but may be expensive.
Upsides
- Differin (adapalene) is a good option for the treatment of acne.
- It is available as a cheaper, generic medication.
- It only has to be applied to the skin once a day at bedtime.
- The 0.1% gel formulation is available over the counter, without a prescription.
- Differin (adapalene) is generally well tolerated, with few side effects.
- Topical application is safe and easy.
- Works well with minimal side effects.
- Once or twice-daily dosing is available for administration that fits your schedule.
Downsides
- Your skin may look worse before it starts looking better.
- Differin (adapalene) can take up to 8 to 12 week to start working.
- Aczone (dapsone) may not be right for you if you take certain medications or have certain blood conditions.
- No generic available so it may be expensive.
- Results may take up to 12 weeks to be noticed.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Gel
- Lotion
- Gel
Price
Lowest price
$45.55
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$22.10
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Reviews
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Side effects
5possible side effects
- Skin dryness42%
- Skin redness38%
- Skin scaling35%
- Persistent burning and stinging24%
- Persistent itching21%
15possible side effects
- Application site reaction18%
- Application site dryness16%
- Mild skin dryness14%
- Mild oiliness or peeling13%
- Application site redness13%
- Mild skin irritation9%
- Moderate oiliness or peeling6%
- Moderate skin irritation5%
- Stuffy nose and throat5%
- Headache4%
- Moderate skin dryness3%
- Head cold3%
- Swollen sinuses2%
- Throat swelling2%
- Cough2%
Risks and risk factors
- Local skin reactions
- Soaps and cleansers with skin-drying effects
- Products with high concentraions of alcohol, astringents, spices, or limes.
- UV and sunlight exposure
- Severe allergic reaction
- Low red blood cell count
- G6PD deficiency
- Congenital or Idiopathic methemoglobinemia
- Other methemoglobin-inducing agents
- Other effects on blood cells
- G6PD deficiency/oral Dapsone
- antimalarial medications
- Bactrim