Prescription Acne Treatments

Today, many prescription acne medications exist for treating moderate to severe cases. Some are taken orally in the form of a pill, some are injected, while others are topical, meaning they are applied directly to the surface of the skin. Because they all require a prescription, you will have to make a trip to the doctor's office to try them out. It's best to go armed with information, so let's talk briefly about the different categories of medication and the pros and cons of each.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is one of the oldest prescription acne treatments available. Used by millions, it is commonly dispensed in pill form to those suffering cystic and other severe forms of acne. It works by reducing oil production, helping to unclog pores, and killing the bacteria that lead to acne. 

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Isotretinoin was originally developed by Roche under the brand name Accutane. However, amid lawsuits, Accutane was pulled from the markets of several countries in 2009, including the U.S. The lawsuits alleged that Roche did not warn Accutane users that the drug could cause inflammatory bowel disease.

Generic forms of Isotretinoin are still available. Other brand names include Sotret, Claravis, and Amnesteem.

Isotretinoin is a synthetic molecule. It is a retinoid, which is a chemical compound similar to Vitamin A. Typically, Isotretinoin is taken one to two times a day for a period of four to five months.

As with any prescription acne medication, Isotretinoin does come with its own risks. First, it can be abused, so anyone taking it must follow the doctor's dosing instructions closely. Second, it is believed to cause birth defects, so women who are pregnant should not take Isotretinoin.

Some common side effects include extremely dry skin, diarrhea, and headache. Keep in mind, though, that people are impacted differently. It's important to keep in close contact with your doctor through your treatment.

Oral Antibiotics

Another common approach is the use of oral antibiotics. As noted above and elsewhere on this site, acne is partly caused by bacterial growth (namely, Propionibacterium acnes or P. acne). So using antibiotics seems an obvious response for combating it. But like any antibiotic, some care and caution is needed.

Two oral antibiotics are typically used as prescription acne treatments:

1. Tetracycline

Tetracycline or two of its derivatives, doxycycline and minocycline, have been used widely for decades to treat inflammatory acne. Patients are typically initially prescribed 5 to 10 grams per day, but the dosage is decreased over a course of several months. Side effects include increased sensitivity to sunlight.

2. Erythromycin

Erythromycin is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is very effective in killing the P. acne bacteria. Its side effects include gastrointestinal upset.

Topical Treatments

Another commonly used class of prescription acne medication includes topical antibiotics that fight P. acnes by direct application to the skin. Doctors typically opt for a topical treatment when the acne is less severe. Topical antibiotics may even be suggested for the milder form of acne, acne vulgaris.

• Adapalene, which is a cream or gel that helps unclog pores. Some people experience skin irritation and dryness over the typical two to three month course.
• Tretinoin, a natural retinoid with similar side effects..

Don't give up

If you've tried the home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, diet changes and other approaches to no avail, you may want to consider prescription acne treatment. Acne can be beaten, so see your doctor to explore all your options.

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