Acne pills - what are the different types available?

There are basically three different types of acne pills, those that contain hormones (birth control/oral contraceptives), antibiotics and isotretinoin (Accutane) pills. Isotretinoin is probably the most powerful of the three and only used for severe cases of cystic acne that won’t improve with any other treatments.

Isotretinoin treatment is taken for approx four to five months and it usually clears acne for one year or more even after the cessation of the medication. Isotretinoin works by decreasing the amount of oil produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. However, there are several very serious side effects that need to be taken into consideration before taking a course of isotretinoin acne pills.

It is very important not to take isotretinoin while pregnant, or to fall pregnant while taking this acne pill as it can lead to serious birth defects. Other possible side effects from this medication may include: Chapped lips, dry skin and itching, dryness of nose, mild nosebleeds, irritation of eyelids and eyes, joint and muscle pain, temporary hair thining, headaches and depression.

Antibiotics have been used to treat acne for more than 30 years with a certain amount of success. They work by reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory. Most antibiotic acne pills are, broad spectrum antibiotics, which means they kill a wide range of bacteria, even the so called ‘friendly bacteria’. Without these friendly bacteria, the body can’t fight against other bad bacteria and yeasts and moulds may start to grow in the system.

This explains why many women who take acne antibiotic pills often develop a yeast infection (thrush or candidiasis). Other possible side effects of acne antibiotics may include: Increased photosensitivity, tummy upsets, vomiting, nausea, skin rash and liver disease (very rarely). The contraceptive pill is not as effective when taking antibiotics, so it is necessary to use another form of birth control. The most common antibiotic acne pills are: Tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline and erythromycin.

Hormone acne pills (birth control or contraceptive pills) have also been used for at least 30 years to treat moderate to severe acne. They treat acne by helping to balance fluctuating hormones. An increase in androgens (male hormones) stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce an excess of oil which can then lead to blemishes. Hormone pills usually contain the female hormones estrogen or progestin, which help to lower the levels of androgen.

Side effects from the hormone acne pills may include: Vaginal bleeding, fluid retention, melasma and depression. There may also be an increased risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, blood clot or breast cancer. Common hormone pills include: Ortho Tricyclen, Diane-35 and Estelle-35.

Acne pills - what are the different types available?

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