The most common medication prescribed for acne is a vitamin A derivative. It acts on the sebaceous glands, suppressing their activity and thus producing a decrease in their size, which results in a reduction in the amount of sebum produced, one of the main substrates of the micro-organism Cutibacterium acnes (bacteria involved in acne).
It is used orally to treat different types of acne, such as nodulo-cystic acne, conglobate acne or acne at risk of permanent scarring, as well as in patients resistant to previous courses of conventional antibacterial treatments administered systemically or topically. The only case in which this drug is not indicated is prepubertal acne.
It is also important to note that it is not usually recommended for children under 12 years of age, or for people who are allergic to the drug itself, to soya, or to peanuts.
This treatment is one of the most widely used worldwide and must be prescribed under the supervision of a doctor. As with any oral treatment, it is necessary to be aware of some common adverse effects that may occur but can be controlled.
What are the effects of acne medication?
The effect of this medication depends on the dose prescribed. The higher the dose, the greater the effects, referring both to its positive effect and to its side and adverse effects, as all medications can have when taken.
Although it is a safe treatment and there is a lot of experience in its use, it is important to be aware of its effects so as not to be alarmed in case the patient experiences any of the following issues, or wishes to become pregnant:
- The medication does not affect fertility. However, if you wish to become pregnant, it is important not to take the medication to avoid miscarriage and for the safety of the foetus, as it can cause malformations.
- One of the most common effects is dryness of mucous membranes and skin, which can lead to flaking if a high dose is taken. It is therefore important to constantly moisturise those areas most prone to dryness.
- Other more well-known but rare effects include hyperlipidaemia (increased blood fats – cholesterol or triglycerides), or an increase in certain liver functions.
- Less commonly known effects include photosensitivity, changes in skin pigmentation, arthralgia (joint pain).
- It has also been speculated in several studies whether there may be a relationship between taking acne medication and mood. However, there have been no conclusive results.
Therefore, after a consultation with a specialist, a balance is reached on what is the maximum dose tolerated by the patient, in order to produce the least possible adverse effects and the best results. In addition, it is important to consider how long the medication should be taken for, and whether it will be supported by other treatments such as lasers or peels, which can reduce the recovery time of acne and improve its results.
