Acne medication - what are the potential side effects?

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Isotretinoin (Accutane)

This acne medication is one of the most powerful acne treatments and it is usually only prescribed for severe cystic acne when other treatment options have failed to work. The side effects associated with isotretinoin can also be quite severe.

*Birth defects: Pregnant women, those who plan to get pregnant or those who are breastfeeding are not permitted to take isotretinoin as it can result in serious birth defects. It is not known whether isotretinoin taken by men causes birth defects, so it is advised for men taking this acne medication not to get a woman pregnant.

Other possible side effects:

*Depression
*Chapped lips
*dry skin, itching and rashes
*Dryness of nose and minor nosebleeds
*Joint and muscle pain
*Irritation of the eyelids and eyes
*Temporary hair thinning
*Intestinal symptoms
*Urinary symptoms
*Headaches
*Increased sensitivity to sunburn
*Decreased night vision

Due to long list and severity of these possible side effects regular blood tests and examinations are required when taking isotretinoin acne medication.

Antibiotics

Most antibiotic acne medication is only prescribed for moderate to severe cases of acne. Like any antibiotic course, an antibiotic acne treatment does make some women more susceptible to thrush (yeast infection). Bacteria can also become resistant to antibiotics over time. (Tetracycline antibiotic)

Possible side effects:

*Photosensitivity
*Gastrointestinal disturbances
*Allergies – rashes
*Increased chance of failure of the oral contraceptive pill.
*Do not use this medication while pregnant or breastfeeding as it can be harmful to the foetus and become incorporated into a baby’s bones and teeth.

Hormone Therapies (Birth control pills/oral contraceptives)

Estrogen is usually the main ingredient that is used in birth control pills that are effective in treating acne. Estrogen does have wide ranging physiologic effects on the body so it is important to make sure this treatment is monitored closely. It is important to seek advice from a gynecologist if you smoke, have a blood clotting disorder, have a history of migraine headaches or if you are over 35 and you want to take a contraceptive pill acne treatment.

Possible side effects:

*Vaginal bleeding
*Fluid Retention
*Melasma
*Depression
*Increased risk of heart attack, strokes, blood clots and breast cancer.

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