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Can Tazorac and Differin be used together?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 20, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Tazorac (tazarotene) vs Differin (adapalene)

Tazorac and Differin are not usually used together, instead patients tend to use either Tazorac or Differin. Tazorac and Differin are both topicals retinoid (related to vitamin A) therefore work in a similar way.

Is Differin (adapalene) or Tazorac (tazarotene) better for acne?

In a clinical trial comparing adapalene 0.3% gel to tazarotene 0.1% gel, at the 12 week assessment both gels had similar improvements in acne severity. The reduction in number of acne lesions was:

Therefore adapalene 0.3% gel was 10% more effective at reducing acne lesion numbers compared to tazarotene 0.1% gel.

In the same clinical trial they studied which treatment was more tolerable by comparing the level of side effects experienced by each group. The side effect levels at 12 weeks were:

This result shows that adapalene 0.3% gel was more tolerable than tazarotene 0.1% gel, as the adapalene 0.3% gel group had 10.5% less side effects.

What are Differin and Tazorac used to treat?

Differin is used to treat acne in patients who are at least 12 years old.

Tazorac is used to treat certain types of acne and plaque psoriasis. Tazorac products and strengths have different conditions indications and age limitations.


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