Akriderm - top 7 cheaper analogues: list of which substitute is better

There are restrictions during pregnancy

Prohibited during breastfeeding

Has restrictions for children

Can be taken by older people

Can be taken for liver problems

Can be taken for kidney problems

Akriderm is a medicinal substance in the form of an ointment or cream aimed at treating severe skin pathologies of an allergic/non-allergic nature - dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. The action of the drug is based on the chemical properties of betamethasone dipropionate. 1 g contains 0.64 g of the main substance. The drug has an average price, but sometimes it becomes necessary to look for cheaper analogues of the drug.

Betamethasone dipropionate reduces the number of leukocytes, inflammatory mediators that accumulate at the site of the inflammatory process, as well as reducing the release of lysosomal enzymes. An additional property of the active substance is considered to prevent the development of edema and reduce vascular permeability. Apply the medicine to the damaged area of skin. The course of treatment with the drug is no more than 3-4 weeks.

The most commonly observed side effects are:

local inflammation and irritation of the skin;
hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
itching;
development of prickly heat.

It is prohibited to use the medicine by persons intolerant to betamethasone. During pregnancy, Akriderm is prescribed for a short period of time. No cases of drug overdose have been recorded.

Akriderm ointment and cream - instructions for use

Akriderm is a glucocorticosteroid. All ointments in this group are used for severe inflammatory processes, therefore, their use should only be as prescribed by a doctor.

Ointment and cream are available for sale. Let's look at their composition in more detail.

Akriderm cream 0.05%

The active substance is betamethasone dipropionate (64 mg). Other substances: purified water, sodium sulfate, disodium editate, emulsion wax, paraffin in liquid and solid form, propylene glycol, petroleum jelly, methyl parahydroxybenzoate.

The cream is available in tubes of 15, 30 and 50 grams.

Akriderm GK ointment 0.05%

The active ingredient is betamethasone dipropionate (64 mg). The auxiliary composition of the ointment is different, it includes: petroleum jelly, isopropyl myristate, liquid paraffin, propyl parahydroxybenzoate.

The ointment is available in tubes of 15 and 30 grams.

Akriderm cream and ointment exhibit a pronounced anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor and antipruritic effect.

Main indications: psoriasis, dermatitis of various origins, especially allergic.
Contraindications : dermatitis in the nasolabial area, rosetsea, skin lesions with Koch's bacillus in tuberculosis, vaccination (injection site), viral lesions of the skin areas. Children under 12 years of age and pregnancy are relative contraindications; use of the drug is possible only for special indications. Use of the drug during breastfeeding requires weaning the child from the breast during treatment and a week after discontinuation of the drug.
Method of application : akriderm is distributed in a thin layer in the affected area. Apply up to three times a day. The recommended duration of treatment is 5–10 days, but not more than three weeks.
Adverse reactions: allergies, dryness, burning, discomfort, skin atrophy, folliculitis, others.

If any adverse reactions occur, the drug is discontinued and an analogue is selected; a change in treatment tactics may be necessary.

An overdose of the drug can lead to inhibition of the function of the pituitary-adrenal system.

Akriderm is used with caution in the eye area and face area. In some cases, acriderm aggravates a herpetic infection.

Akriderm is produced in Russia. The price of ointment (30 g) is on average 120 rubles, the cream costs a little more, about 170 rubles.

Inexpensive substitutes for action

The drugs Sinaflan and Advant, based on other active ingredients, can be considered analogues of Akriderm in terms of their effect on the body.

Sinaflan

Sinaflan is a medicine whose active component is fluocinolone acetonide. The medicine belongs to glucocorticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, allergic skin reactions, itching and promote vasoconstriction. The drug inhibits the synthesis of phospholipase A2, which leads to inhibition of the transformation of arachidonic acid into the active form. Due to this, inflammation is reduced. Sinaflan also affects protein metabolism, therefore it helps reduce protein synthesis and collagen accumulation.

The ointment is well absorbed through the skin, and the first effect of treatment can be noticed after a couple of weeks. Sinaflan is often recommended for patients with dry skin and chronic processes. The absorption rate of substances increases when applied to damaged areas or under a bandage. The medicine is prescribed in the following cases:

psoriasis;
depriving;
lupus;
seborrhea;
atopic dermatitis;
eczema;
insect bites;
allergies and burns.

It is recommended to apply Sinaflan several times a day in a thin layer to the damaged surface. On average, the course of treatment does not exceed two weeks. Side effects appear:

skin necrosis;
hives;
irritation;
atrophy;
furunculosis;
in rare cases, kidney failure or purpura may develop.

The main contraindications for use include:

pregnancy;
lupus;
smallpox;
herpes;
varicose veins;
ulcers;
melanoma;
lactation period;
diseases of the intestinal tract;
infectious diseases;
allergy to the composition.

Not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age. An overdose of this medicine when applied topically is impossible. Sinaflan differs from the main drug in its active substance and price.

Advantan

Advantan is a drug whose main substance is methylprednisolone aceponate. The medicine exists in the form of not only ointments and creams, but also fatty ointments and emulsions. These forms differ from each other in the composition of excipients.

The medicine will eliminate all symptoms of allergies and inflammatory processes. The mechanism of action is based on the formation of macrocortin, which inhibits the transformation of arachidonic acid, which in turn inhibits the process of accumulation of granules of inflammatory mediators in the lesion. It affects only certain areas of the skin. The effect on the body's condition is generally minimal.

The medicine is used in cases of dermatitis of various origins and eczema. The choice of drug form depends on the patient’s skin condition. If dry skin is observed, then a rich ointment is best; for normal and oily skin, a simple ointment is used, and an emulsion is used for burns or insect bites.

The ointment is applied to the inflamed areas once daily, and the treatment lasts about 3 months. Using the medicine to treat children lasts about a month. An allergic reaction, itching and burning are common side effects of using Advantan.

Viral infections or hypersensitivity to components are considered reasons for contraindication. It is recommended to use Advantan with caution during pregnancy. The use of the medicine in children under 2 years of age is not recommended.

No cases of overdose have been recorded, and no drug interactions have been identified. It must be stored at a temperature of at least 20-25 degrees.

What can replace Akriderm - a list of cheap analogues?

Like other drugs, Akriderm has analogues.
Some products are more expensive, often foreign-made drugs, while others, on the contrary, are cheaper. Substitutes are not only drugs in the form of ointments and gels. Tablets, sprays and solutions are also used. The concentration of all forms is taken into account when prescribing. Non-hormonal drugs are sometimes offered as analogues, it all depends on the degree of damage to the skin. Let's get acquainted with the most common analogues of acriderm.

Preparations from foreign companies:

betasal,
diprospan,
triderm,
celestoderm B,
triakutan, belosalik and others.

Russian analogues: prednisolone, acriderm SK, cleore, rederm.

Among the cheapest drugs is prednisolone, it is used in the form of an ointment. The price for 10 g of ointment (made in Russia) is 17 rubles. Let us dwell on this drug in more detail, since most patients are interested in cheap drugs.

Application on facial skin has its own characteristics

Analogues of "Akriderm", namely "Belosalik" and "Beloderm", can also be used on the skin of the face, but there are some treatment features. If the drug can be used on other areas of the skin for up to four weeks, then the maximum period for facial skin should not exceed five days, otherwise not only side effects are possible, but also atrophic changes in the epidermis.

Prednisolone (ointment) or Akriderm – which is better?

The ointment contains one active substance - prednisolone. It manifests and eliminates the phenomena of allergies and inflammation, relieves swelling of the skin, itching, and has a moderate analgesic effect.

Indications : complex skin diseases difficult to respond to other dermatological drugs. These are various dermatitis of non-infectious origin. These include eczema, psoriasis and others.
Contraindications : individual intolerance, herpetic rashes, chicken pox, tuberculosis (cutaneous form), skin damage by viral infection and bacteria, ringworm, others. A complete list of contraindications is indicated in the official instructions for the drug. During immunization, treatment with prednisolone and its structural analogues should not be carried out.

Prednisolone is recommended for short courses. It is necessary to lubricate only the affected area, without affecting healthy skin. The layer of ointment should be thin, this is quite enough to get a therapeutic effect. The frequency of application is determined by the doctor.

Important! When applying prednisolone, you should avoid getting the ointment on open wound surfaces and mucous membranes. The drug is not recommended for use during lactation and pregnancy.

According to the instructions, the ointment is prescribed 1 to 3 times a day. The duration of therapy ranges from 5 to 14 days.

In childhood, prednisolone can be used from the age of one year. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician and pediatric dermatologist. The recommended course of treatment for the youngest patients is no more than 7 days. It is advisable not to use the product until three years of age.

Adverse reactions: allergic reactions in the form of swelling, severe itching, redness, dryness. More often, such phenomena appear when there is a tendency to allergies or when there are minor lesions on the skin. Sometimes atrophy of the skin occurs, this is facilitated by long-term therapy with acriderm. The list of negative reactions does not end here; detailed information is presented in more detail in the instructions for Akriderm.

All Akriderm analogues, both cheap and expensive, are aimed at eliminating dermatitis that occurs with a pronounced inflammatory reaction and is not amenable to more delicate therapy (without hormones). Not in all cases you should immediately resort to acriderm and its analogues. For uncomplicated dermatitis, you should always start therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs of plant origin, for example, Fladex. This drug can be used even in pregnant women.

In principle, Akriderm is not an expensive product; it can even be called a cheap drug, so it is difficult to find analogs in composition that are cheaper.

In most cases, if acriderm is intolerant, the following analogues are offered: celestoderm B and beloderm.

Analogues of Akriderm GK

The drug Akriderm GK is sold in the form of a translucent ointment that contains clotrimazole, gentamicin and betamethasone, and is effective in cases of neurodermatitis, eczema, dermatitis and ringworm. The drug contains a complex of active components, so its analogues will differ from Akriderm substitutes. Cheap analogues of Akriderm GK are Kanizon Plus and Triderm, Triakutan

Kanizon Plus

Kanizon Plus is an analogue of Akriderm GK. The main ingredients of the drug are betamethasone, gentamicin sulfate and clotrimazole. Presented in the form of a white cream exclusively for external use. Belongs to the group of glucocorticoids and broad-spectrum antibiotics due to the action of gentamicin.

Used to treat inflammatory skin processes, allergic reactions, all forms of dermatitis, lichen, neurodermatitis and skin thrush. The drug also prevents the further development of fungal and bacterial diseases. The action of the drug is to inhibit the accumulation of leukocytes and granules with enzymes and inflammatory mediators in damaged areas, as well as to inhibit cellular phagocytosis.

It is prohibited to use the medicine for persons with:

hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
tuberculosis and syphilis of the skin;
herpes and chickenpox.

Long-term treatment with the drug is not recommended for pregnant women in the first trimester and children under 2-3 years of age, as well as women who are breastfeeding.

Apply the medicine to the damaged area of skin in a thin layer several times a day. The effect of treatment appears after 2-4 weeks of use. If it is absent, you should consult a doctor. It is recommended to discontinue the use of the medication gradually.

The most common side effects include:

burning;
itching;
discomfort;
dry skin;
edema.

Side effects occur very rarely. No cases of drug overdose have been recorded. It is recommended to store at a temperature from 15 to 24-26°C. Avoid getting the ointment in the eyes and keep it away from children. Compared to the main drug, it has a greater number of indications for use and a low price.

Triacutan

Triakutan is an analogue of Akriderm GK. It contains gentamicin sulfate, clotrimazole and betamethasone. The drug is considered a combination drug and eliminates local damage and inflammation of the skin. Due to the presence of gentamicin in the composition, the medicine belongs not only to glucocorticoids, but also to antibiotics.

Gentamicin is considered a broad-spectrum drug that eliminates fungal and bacterial diseases. Clotrimazole is considered an effective remedy in the fight against fungal diseases. Like Akriderm GK, Triakutan inhibits the accumulation of inflammatory mediators and enzymes in areas of inflammation, and also inhibits the process of phagocytosis.

The medicine relieves inflammation and allergic reactions, stops the development of fungal and bacterial diseases and affects the narrowing of blood vessels and a decrease in their permeability. This drug is prescribed to patients with:

various forms of dermatitis, including complicated ones;
fungal diseases;
skin inflammation caused by bacteria or infection.

To use, the ointment is applied to the damaged part of the skin in a thin layer. It is necessary to avoid contact of the drug with mucous membranes and open wounds. Apply the medicine to the skin twice a day. The therapeutic effect occurs within a few weeks with constant and correct use.

It is prohibited to use the drug for people with:

allergies to essential substances;
psoriasis;
acne;
varicose veins;
chickenpox;
skin reactions after vaccination.

Pregnant and nursing mothers are not prescribed Triacutan. The effect of the drug may be affected by its parallel use with dexamethasone and hydroxybenzoic acid.

Overdose occurs when ointment is applied under a bandage or bandage and is manifested by a decrease in sensitivity to antimicrobial agents. It differs from Akriderm in a wider list of contraindications and price.

Celestoderm B or Akriderm

The drug is slightly more expensive than Akriderm. The price in pharmacies is about 200 rubles. The drug contains a hormonal component - betamethasone valerate and an antibacterial substance - gentamicin. This complex has an antibacterial, as well as a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect.

Indications: skin pathologies in the presence of bacterial microflora.
Contraindications: children under 6 months of age, non-bacterial skin diseases.
Adverse reactions: severe itching, folliculitis, dermatitis, hypertrichosis, infection (secondary form).

If negative reactions occur, the drug is discontinued and an analogue is selected. Unlike acriderm, the effect of celestoderm B is stronger, but this does not mean that the positive effect from it will always be. Where there are no indications for an antibiotic, celestoderm B is not prescribed.

Let's consider possible side effects

Since these drugs are prescribed for quite serious diseases, it is clear that their components can also cause some side effects, which, however, should not frighten the patient.

If you notice dry skin, mild and tolerable itching or a burning sensation after starting to use any of the Akriderm analogs, as well as mild irritation or allergic reactions, this may be due to the start of using the drug. It is worth contacting your treating specialist, who may be able to recommend a medicine that is more suitable for your individual case. But reviews confirm that such reactions are extremely rare or almost unnoticeable.

Beloderm

The price of Beloderm often fluctuates, the lowest cost is about 120 rubles, although some pharmacies offer it for 300 rubles.
The drug is available in various dosage forms, the cheapest is cream, which costs about 120 rubles. The drug is a structural analogue of Akriderm, produced in Croatia. In terms of pharmacological action, Beloderm and Akriderm are identical.

Indications: insect bites, ulcerative skin lesions such as eczema, lichen planus, neurodermatitis, solar and radiation dermatitis, allergic manifestations on the skin, others.
Contraindications: in pediatrics - do not use for up to 6 months, intolerance to the composition, pregnancy, skin tuberculosis, rosacea, trophic skin lesions, chicken pox, skin conditions after vaccination, bacterial, viral and fungal skin lesions.

Also considered as analogues are Triderm, Betaderm, Belosalik, Candide B.

Let's consider contraindications

No matter what anyone says, it is very important to know contraindications to drugs. Sometimes this is even more important than the concept of medical indications. Therefore, before you start therapy using the drug "Akriderm GK", the instructions for use should be studied by you completely. And this especially applies to its section on contraindications. Let us briefly outline its general provisions.

If you have been diagnosed with syphilis, but there are no skin manifestations as such, the use of analogues of Akriderm GK is possible only under the supervision of a doctor. If there are already skin rashes, treatment using this group of drugs is strictly prohibited.

Skin tuberculosis is also a disease that will not allow you to use these medications.

Open wounds or chickenpox should not be treated with Akriderm GK. The ointment (reviews confirm this) can only do harm. The same goes for cream.

Skin post-vaccination reactions, as well as herpes simplex, should under no circumstances be treated with Akriderm analogues. This can seriously harm your health.

Triderm or Akriderm – what to choose

The drug is a complex of antibiotic, hormone and antifungal agent.
Ingredients: gentamicin, betamethasone and clotrimazole. Triderm is available in the form of a cream. The product is often used for secondary skin infections when the patient’s immunity is weakened. Triderm is an expensive drug, its cost is about 700 rubles. Indications : dermatoses with suspected bacterial microflora.

Contraindications : children under 2 years of age, individual intolerance to the composition, tuberculosis of the skin, rashes due to herpetic infection, chickenpox (when treating the skin), perioral dermatitis (localization of rashes on the beard and other parts of the face), plaque psoriasis, open wounds, syphilis (skin manifestations), others.

Most often, at the beginning of therapy, Triderm is prescribed one lubricant per day. As the condition improves, application every other day is recommended. In the future, the drug is used every two days or once a week. It is necessary to complete treatment gradually, without abruptly stopping therapy.

Triderm is not a cheap alternative; its price is about 700 rubles.

Akriderm or Triderm – which is better? This question is often asked by patients. It all depends on the presence of a bacterial infection. If this occurs, triderm is prescribed; if not, acriderm is prescribed.

Similar products of the drug Akriderm Genta

The medicine Akriderm Genta, which consists not only of betamethasone, but also contains gentamicin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Thanks to this, the drug is more effective in the treatment of eczema and various forms of dermatitis. Analogues include Betaderm, Belogent and Candide B. Let's consider the most affordable ones.

Betaderm

Betaderm is one of the cheap substitutes for Akriderm Ghent. The main substance, in addition to betamethasone, is gentamicin sulfate. The medicine is considered a derivative of hydrocortisone, and due to the gentamicin in its composition it is classified as an antibiotic.

Betaderm is especially effective in eliminating allergic and inflammatory skin reactions. The drug also has antibacterial properties, especially against gram-positive microorganisms.

The drug inhibits cellular phagocytosis and stops the accumulation of inflammatory mediators and enzymes in cell lysosomes.

Doctors recommend using this drug in the following cases:

dermatitis;
depriving;
eczema;
psoriasis;
allergic rashes;
lupus;
erythema.

Apply the medicine externally, applying a layer to the inflamed area of the skin over the entire area, preferably a couple of times a day. It is not recommended to take more than 50 g per week. The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the regularity of use.

Overdose is very rare. If excessively large doses of ointment are applied to a large area of skin, acute renal failure may develop. In such cases, symptomatic treatment is carried out, and the balance of electrolytes in the body is corrected. Itching, burning, redness, anaphylactic reactions and swelling are considered the most common side effects.

With constant application to large areas of the skin, blood pressure may increase, excitability, insomnia, disruption of the menstrual cycle, exacerbation of foci of infection and sudden weight gain may appear. In children, it may present with growth retardation, weight gain, and intracranial hypertension.

Do not apply ointment under an occlusive dressing or bandage. It is prohibited to use the drug for people with infectious diseases and skin tuberculosis, acne and ulcers, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The action of Betaderm enhances the effect of immunosuppressive substances. It differs from Akriderm in drug interactions and price.

Candide B

Candide B is a medicine that comes in the form of a cream in 15 g tubes. The main components are clotrimazole and beclomethasone. The medicine belongs to the combination of antifungal agents.

The drug reduces inflammation of skin areas and prevents the development of fungal diseases. The drug has the property of being quickly absorbed into the skin. Clotrimazole is capable of destroying bacterial and fungal cells, as well as neutralizing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Beclomethasone constricts blood vessels and reduces their permeability, and also eliminates itching.

The main indications for use are:

acute fungal infections;
dermatomycosis;
athlete's foot;
severe cases of dermatoses.

The cream is applied to the skin several times a day. On average, treatment lasts about 4 weeks. For chronic diseases, the duration of therapy may be slightly longer. In general, Candide B does not cause side effects. Rarely observed:

hyperemia of skin areas;
burning;
itching and tingling;
the appearance of acne;
atrophy of the skin;
infections;
dermatosis

The following are considered contraindications:

hypersensitivity;
cutaneous tuberculosis;
chickenpox;
measles;
reactions to vaccination;
ulcers;
tumors;
herpes;
actinomycosis;
syphilis.

No influence of other substances on the effectiveness of Candida B was found. The cream should not be applied to open wounds, under bandages or on mucous membranes. If the infection spreads, it is necessary to stop treatment. Use with caution in children under 18 years of age. Children under 2 years of age are not recommended to use the ointment. No overdose was recorded. Must be stored in a cool, dry place. It differs from the main drug in its active substance, indications for use and price.

Candide B

The price for this drug is about 500 rubles. It contains two active ingredients - clotrimazole and beclomethasone. The drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antifungal effect.

Indications for use: dermatoses, fungal skin lesions, epidermophytosis, microsporia, candidiasis.
Contraindications: rashes due to chickenpox and measles, blastomycosis, trophic ulcers, skin tuberculosis, skin manifestations due to syphilitic infection, herpes, breastfeeding period, neoplasms, others. With use, redness and skin itching disappear.

Candide B will be effective where there is a pathogenic fungal microflora, so before using this drug, appropriate diagnostics is needed. A scraping is taken from the affected skin for microscopic examination.

Contraindications, side effects, overdose

Contraindications to the use of Akriderm GK are:

skin lesions due to tuberculosis;
external manifestations of syphilis;
chickenpox, herpes;
skin reactions to vaccinations and injections;
rosacea, xanthoma;
open wounds;
acne and pimples on the face;
melanoma (skin cancer);
nevus, hemangeoma;
sarcoma, atheroma.

Using Akriderm ointment or cream for a long time or applying it to large areas, you should be careful if you have the following diseases: tuberculosis, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma.

Side effects may occur with excessive and prolonged use of the medicine. Local symptoms are: burning, itching, depigmentation of the skin, the appearance of acne due to an increased amount of steroids in the body, pustular inflammation of the follicles, increased growth of body hair, the formation of stretch marks, prickly heat, dermatitis. From systemic disorders: weight gain, edema, ulcers on the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, hyperglycemia, insomnia, increased blood pressure, dysmenorrhea.

To avoid the above symptoms, do not exceed the doses and directions of use prescribed by your doctor.
At the first signs of side effects, it is necessary to stop treatment with this drug and change it to a non-hormonal analogue. The article has been verified by the editors

Belosalik

This drug costs about 450 rubles.
The composition contains betamethasone and salicylic acid dipropionate. Belosalik has a pronounced antiallergic, keratolytic, vasoconstrictor and anti-inflammatory effect. The drug is prescribed for dermatoses, eczema, psoriasis, dermatoses of an erythematous-squamatous nature.

Belosalik is not suitable for children under one year old, pregnant or lactating women. The list of contraindications is quite impressive; you can read in detail in the instructions.

Protect your eyes and some other precautions

Analogues of Akriderm are those drugs from which you need to protect your eyes and also the skin of your eyelids, because the consequences can be disastrous.

It must be remembered that these are not ointments and creams that should be intensively rubbed into the skin. They are simply enough to be applied in a thin layer. It is also not recommended to cover the affected areas of the skin that have been treated with the drug with bandages.

The drugs should be stored in a closed tube, preferably in a dark place where the temperature fluctuates between 15-25 degrees Celsius.

Of course, Akriderm GK still has cheap analogues, but it still remains a fairly popular and good drug, which is in great demand today. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations and carefully monitor the body’s reaction to treatment, you can get rid of the manifestations of skin diseases without any problems.

Akriderm or Sinaflan?

These drugs are different in composition, the only similarity is in the therapeutic effect. Fluocinol acetonide is the active component of sinaflan. The ointment is used to treat skin diseases of non-microbial etiology.

Main indications: psoriatic lesions, insect bites, lichen planus, eczema, dermatitis of allergic origin, diaper rash, discoid lupus erythematosus, uncomplicated burns.
Contraindications: children under 2 years of age, skin tuberculosis, acne, neoplasms, atheroma, hemangioma, skin mycoses, viral and fungal lesions of the skin, pregnancy, lactation, others. A relative contraindication is puberty.

Sinaflan costs about 80 rubles.

It is impossible to say for sure which is better - sinaflan or acriderm, it all depends on the nature of the rash. It is difficult to do this on your own, so first of all you need to consult a dermatologist.

What do patients themselves say about these medications?

People who have encountered diseases for which Canizon-Plus, Triderm or Akriderm GK are prescribed leave only positive and even admiring reviews about them. This attitude towards drugs is quite understandable because they can really quickly help with unpleasant skin diseases. According to reviews, these medications can even speed up the healing of cracks that appear after fungal infections.

Many people like Akriderm GK also because it does not have an unpleasant odor. It is quickly absorbed and does not leave any marks on clothes. In addition, it will not cause any discomfort if you are constantly in the company of other people and use Akriderm GK. Cheap analogues can have a rather pungent, unpleasant odor.