84 to 89 out of 100 patients had clear or almost clear skin after 20 weeks of treatment.
(This evidence cannot be graded with stars)
These are treatments taken by mouth that affect your whole body.
These are the hormonal treatments:
These are antibiotics taken by mouth that affect your whole body. Antibiotics are medications to kill or reduce the growth of bacteria in our bodies.
These are the types of oral antibiotics usually used for acne:
They are typically recommended in combination with another treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide or a topical retinoid. There are other similar oral antibiotics not listed here that are not approved for acne, but may still be prescribed by a doctor in special cases.
This is a product taken by mouth that affects your whole body.
COCs and Spironolactone affect the hormones your body produces. Hormones can reduce the oil your skin produces to improve acne. These may also help reduce the inflammation of acne spots.
These treatments work by killing the bacteria that trigger acne. They may also reduce the inflammation of acne spots. Because they are used with other treatments, they all may have different effects on symptoms.
Oral Isotretinoin reduces the oil your skin produces, kills the bacteria that trigger acne, reduces the inflammation of acne spots, and helps the skin to shed dead skin cells without blocking pores.
Females with mild to severe acne. Spironolactone is not specifically for acne, but may be given by a doctor to treat acne in some cases.
Mild to severe acne. They should be used in combination with a topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide. Some of these drugs are used for patients who for some reason cannot try more common drugs.
Severe acne or moderate acne when other treatments have not worked.
Some people may be allergic or sensitive to some of these treatments. Some health conditions and medications may not interact well with these treatments. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.
Some people may be allergic or sensitive to some of these treatments. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.
Some people may be allergic or sensitive to this treatment. Some health conditions and medications may not interact well with this treatment. This is not for women trying to get pregnant or planning pregnancy during treatment or within 1 month after treatment. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is right for you.
Compared to people taking no treatment, people taking oral contraceptives saw 15% fewer acne spots.
(Evidence ranged from 2 to 4 stars depending on the type of contraceptive)
Oral contraceptives take longer to show results. These are sometimes combined with another treatment to see results sooner.
There is not enough evidence to show how well Spironolactone works.
Compared to no treatment, people taking oral antibiotics saw 18% fewer acne spots.
(The quality of this evidence is not yet graded by clinical practice guidelines)
84 to 89 out of 100 patients had clear or almost clear skin after 20 weeks of treatment.
(This evidence cannot be graded with stars)
Serious: Possible risk of serious side effects for both oral contraceptives and Spironolactone. There is not enough evidence to show exactly what the chances of these are.
Other: People taking spironolactone experienced sore breasts, irregular periods, and may have to urinate more often.
Pregnancy: Oral contraceptives are Category X. These drugs are not safe during pregnancy, but some are safe for breastfeeding.
Spironolactone is Category C. We do not yet know if there is a risk of taking this drug while pregnant. It is safe to take while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, let your doctor know.
Serious: Possible risk of serious side effects. There is not enough evidence to show exactly what the chances of these side effects are.
The bacteria in your body can also become resistant to these medications if they are taken alone or overused. This is called antibiotic resistance. It means that over time they can stop working to clear up your acne or cure other sickness. That is why they are usually prescribed with other treatments and not recommended alone.
Other: Mild digestive trouble such as nausea or diarrhea.
Pregnancy: Tetracyclines are Category D. There is a risk of taking these drugs while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Macrolides and Trimethoprim are Category B. No risk has been shown during pregnancy while taking these drugs. There may be some risks of taking these drugs while breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, let your doctor know.
Serious: Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
Less than 1 out of every 100 people experienced suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts while taking this drug.
Possible risk of other serious side effects. There is not enough evidence to show exactly what the chances of this are.
Other: Other side effects are temporary and stop after treatment ends.
Pregnancy: Category X. This drug is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, let your doctor know.
These treatments involve taking a pill daily. Some treatments, such as contraceptives, need to be taken continuously for a period of years.
These treatments are taken once, twice, or three times a day.
These treatments involve taking a pill every day. You will need to visit the doctor for regular check-ups. Women at risk of pregnancy will need to be on effective methods of birth control while taking this treatment.
Prices vary. Oral contraceptives start around $15 USD for a three month supply. Spironolactone starts at $25 USD for a three month supply. Both are often covered by insurance.
Prices vary but can start at $30 USD for a three month supply and are often covered by insurance.
Prices vary, but can start around $1600 USD for a three month supply. It is often covered by insurance.
Prices as of 2016 and may vary by region.