Selecting the Right Prescription Acne Medication

Prescription acne medication is usually reserved for people with severe acne, but can be used for people with moderate acne or acne that has not responded to other treatments and medications in the past. Over-the-counter treatments for moderate to severe acne may not be effective and can also increase chance of scarring if cysts are present. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), scarring from acne cysts is a risk due to cysts rupturing. To prevent scarring in cystic acne patients, dermatologists may inject cysts with a diluted-corticosteroid to lesson inflammation and promote faster healing. The AAD states that this works by melting the cyst over 3 to 5 days. How do you prevent acne cysts from occurring and understand which medication is best for you?

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is the most effective prescription medication when it comes to treating severe acne. Even though it is an effective treatment, it is often used as a last resort after all other methods have been tried due the severe side effects that come with it. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not use isotretinoin . It causes severe birth defects and if a woman is of child bearing age, she is required to use two forms of birth control a month prior to using, during use of this medication, and up to a month after stopping isotretinoin. This insures that the woman is not pregnant or will become pregnant while using this acne treatment. Severe chest and abdomen pain, painful swallowing, headaches and dizziness, bone and joint pain, nausea, rectal bleeding, depression, skin dryness and thinning hair are additional side effects of this medication, according to the AAD. Isotretinoin is a synthetic retinoid or form of vitamin A that comes as a pill and is taken once or twice a day for approximately 16 to 20 weeks. Patients are regularly monitored by their physician or dermatologist while taking this medication.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a natural retinoid or vitamin A derivative used as a topical acne treatment. Dermatologists prescribe tretinoin to unclog pores and keep them unplugged, preventing acne outbreaks from occurring. However, it does have some harsh side effects like dryness, scaling, redness, burning and itching that may result from use of this medication. According to the AAD, side effects can be minimized by adjusting the amount of cream applied and how many times per day it is applied. If taking this topical acne medication, talk to your dermatologist if you develop any of these side effects.

Oral Contraceptives

If you are a woman and have moderate to severe acne, oral contraceptives like birth control pills may help alleviate acne symptoms. Oral contraceptives help by suppressing overactive sebaceous glands which are the oil producing glands that contribute to acne, as stated by the AAD. If your dermatologist wants to prescribe oral contraceptives to you in order to treat your acne, talk with your gynecologist first to make sure you are a candidate. Oral contraceptives may not be prescribed to women who are over 35 years old, smoke, are susceptible to migraine headaches, or have a blood clotting disorder.

Oral Antibiotics

People who have moderate to severe acne that is persistent, oral antibiotics like erythromycin or tetracycline are prescribed. Oral antibiotics work by controlling the bacteria that causes acne, P. acnes. They also help with inflammation and are prescribed for six months or less and are not a good long term treatment for acne. Certain antibiotics should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breast feeding, as it can impact bone and teeth development of a fetus or infant.If you are thinking about taking a prescription medication, either orally or topically, talk to your dermatologist about which medication may be right for you. Discuss how long it will take for you to achieve the desired results and the side effects associated with each medication.

Sources

American Academy of Dermatology
AcneNet-Prescription Medications for Treating Acne