Prescription Acne Medications

There are several different prescription acne medications that are currently being recommended by dermatologists and doctors. As with all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, there is always the risk of side effects, so reading all instructions and watching for any worsening of skin conditions or other side effects is very important. Some of the most commonly prescribed acne medications include:

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• Adapaline – marketed as Differin, this gel is simply applied to the skin and works to prevent dead skin cells from accumulating in the follicles of the skin. The side effects with the medication include itching, redness, rash-like bumps and a burning sensation to the skin. Sun exposure should be minimized when using this medication.
• Azelaic Acid – marketed as Azelex, this is a gel that is applied to the skin twice a day. It contains many of the same acids that are found in grains and other whole products. There are very few side effects with azelaic acid other than it may have a slight lightening effect on people with dark skin tones.
• Erythromycin – marketed under many different names including Erygel, Eryderm and T-Stat, this gel is applied to the skin once or twice a day, usually in the morning and before bed. There is a high risk of complications with other prescription medications or over-the-counter acne creams, so it should not be used in combination with any other products until a physician is consulted. Peeling, burning, rash symptoms and even excessive oiliness can all be side effects.
• Oral Contraceptive – marketed as Ortho Tri-Cyclen, this can actually reduce the hormone testosterone, one of the male hormones commonly associated with acne in women. Taking oral contraceptives can have significant side effects for some women, so talking to a doctor before deciding on this method of acne treatment is very important.
• Tretinion – marketed as Retin-A, Avita and Renova, this is one of the newest of the prescription medications. Used once a day, it can be used in a lotion or cream form, and works to decrease the dead cells produced by the body and repair damaged skin. Some people taking the medication have an increase in irritation to the skin as well as a hypersensitivity to sunlight.

There are also oral antibiotics that are also prescribed for long-term treatment of moderate to severe acne. These antibiotics can include tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline, which are taken usually once a day. There are several side effects including nausea, headaches and stomach-related disorders that generally decrease as your body becomes adjusted to the medication. Women that are using birth control pills should be aware that there is evidence that taking these antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Talking with your doctor and carefully following all usage directions will help prescription acne medication options work. Before combining prescription acne medications with any other creams, lotions or medicines, be sure to consult with your physician.