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The Potential Dangers of Prescription Medications
When acne is severe or resistant to over-the-counter treatments, a
dermatologist may recommend a course of prescription medication. Medications
for acne that are available via prescription include:
- Isotretonoin
- Antibiotics (oral and topical)
- Retinoids
- Oral Contraceptives (for women)
Isotretinoin (sometimes prescribed under the brand name of Accutane)
is a highly potent, oral medication that is prescribed for very severe acne.
WARNING: "Accutane may cause
depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts
and suicide."
It reduces oil production, clogging of the pores, and bacteria in the
skin. One course of treatment over 16 to 20 weeks can completely clear
up severe acne permanently. Using isotretinoin may cause skin dryness,
but before embarking on a course of isotretinoin, a patient should discuss
it extensively with a physician.
In women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, isotretinoin
can cause severe birth defects in unborn fetuses. Isotretinoin has also
been linked to severe depression, behavioral changes and in some cases
suicide. Research continues in these areas to further understand the
effects that isotretinoin may have on different physiologies.
Some other severe side effects include:
- Headaches, if persistent and associated with nausea, vomiting, and
blurred vision, may be a sign of a condition called pseudotumor cerebri.
- The incidence of depression, psychosis, and suicide attempts is increased,
and returns to normal after discontinuing the drug.
- The production of tears in the eyes is decreased, which can cause,
red eyes, itchy eyes, and possibly ulcerations of the cornea, especially
with contact lens wearers.
- The ability to distinguish between shades of black and white can be
decreased causing night blindness.
- Liver enzymes can be elevated causing jaundice, hepatitis, and abdominal
pain.
Drug-Free / Safer Options
Other treatments include Benzoyl Peroxide,
whose properties make it very useful in the treatment of inflamed
acne. The oxidizing factor dries out thickened
sebum and helps to alleviate the clogged pores,
so acne may heal without trauma to the area caused by popping
the acne. To be experience best results, one should use a Benzoyl Peroxide
exfoliator daily. To read more about this particular form of treatment,
click here: [Acne
Three-Step Kits]. We even built our own acne-fighting product
called Tru-derma in response to the lack of a 'perfect' solution. If
you continue to use this three step process every day, there is a good
chance you may never have acne again.
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Antibiotics, both oral and topical, may be prescribed to help reduce
the number of skin-based acnes. While a bacterium does not cause acne,
it contributes to the formation of inflammation and infection that can
lead to pimples, and severe nodular and cystic acne. Some bacteria have
become resistant to antibiotic treatments, and extensive use of oral
antibiotics can lead to vaginal yeast infections in women.
Retinoids, a class of molecules in the Vitamin A family, are prescribed
to treat acne. Retinoids are also available in topical or oral format.
They are potent against acne because they stabilize abnormal growth
and death of cells in sebaceous cells. These abnormal growth cycles
are believed to play a key role in the formation of blackheads, whiteheads
and other acne. Like isotretinoin, retinoids can cause birth defects
in the unborn children of pregnant women.
Oral contraceptives can be prescribed for women who suffer from hormonal
acne or occasional mild outbreaks surrounding their menstrual period.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is the only oral contraceptive currently approved by
the FDA for treatment of acne. Side effects related to taking the oral
contraceptive include irregular bleeding, loss of monthly periods, weight
gain or loss, nausea, breast tenderness, changes in mood, and headaches.
All prescription medications should be administered under the supervision
of a physician. Patients should always consult with a physician about
any side effects they experience or feel they are experiencing.
Other Resources:
Planned Parenthood
Accutane Information (Acne.net)
American Academy of Dermatology
BUPA: The Personal Health Service (http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets)
McKinley Health Center
Nutrica (Producers of Acne treatments)
Acne Management (http://www.dermnetnz.org/dna.acne/mngmt.html
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