By: Marilyn Thompson


1. Accutane

Daily intake of vitamin A derivatives like isotretinoin or Accutane for around three months is very effective against severe acne. This acne medicine reduces oil secretion of sebaceous glands. Its antibacterial effects kill the bacteria responsible for your acne. Accutane has brought positive results in more than eighty percent of patients with severe acne. However, twenty-five percent patients reported relapse of acne after one course of treatment. Hence, close medical supervision is essential for treating severe acne with Accutane, which is a prescription drug.

Side Effects: Physical side effects include heartburns, abdominal discomfort, pain in stomach, chest, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, dark urine, etc. Psychiatric problems crop up like low concentration levels, depression, aggressiveness, angry bouts, suicidal thoughts, etc. during Accutane medication. You could also lose your overall balance of mind. Women should avoid this drug during pregnancy and lactation. Rather, you should refrain from sexual intercourse a month before and after completion of the total treatment as Accutane can cause serious defects in the baby like mental defects, heart defects, etc. There is also the element of miscarriage.

Cost: $3 per pill

2. Antibiotics

External application of antibiotics like doxycycline, erythromycin, tetracycline, benzoyl peroxide, and minocycline can kill the bacteria within your follicles in cases of severe and moderate acne patients. Benzoyl peroxide acts as an oxidizer and dries your acne. Severe acne patients need to apply it daily for a month.

Side Effects: These antibiotics provide only temporary relief as acne resurfaces few weeks after completion of treatment. It causes many side effects like putting on oodles of weight, puffy appearance, nausea, sleepiness, etc.

Cost: Erythromycin-$21 for 100 capsules, Benzoyl Peroxide-$27, Tetracycline-$22 for 100, Doxycycline-$81 for 200 capsules.

3. Topical Retinoids

Tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), Adapalene (brand name Differin) and Tazarotene (brand name Tazorac) are effective acne medicines. These are available as prescription drug for external application on moderate acne and according to physician’s specifications.

Side Effects: You could experience slight irritation of skin.

Cost: Tretinoin-$74.50 for 45 gm tube, Tazarotene-$53 for a tube, Adapalene-$28 for 15 gm tube.