6 Accutane Alternatives for Treating Acne

If you're looking for an Accutane alternative to treat your acne, you probably have one of two needs: either a substitute brand for Accutane or a medication that does not contain Accutane's active ingredient isotretinoin. No matter which camp you fall into, you'll find all the info you need here.

What Is Accutane?

Accutane is a former brand name of isotretinoin—a prescription medication used to treat severe or nodular acne.

Isotretinoin belongs to the family of medicines called retinoids. It works by reducing sebum (oil) production, clogged pores, the skin bacteria P. acnes, and inflammation—all of which can lead to breakouts.

Although this brand has been discontinued since 2009, some people still call any isotretinoin medication "Accutane," simply because it was the first oral isotretinoin acne medication on the market, and the brand is the most well-known.

Is Accutane Safe?

Isotretinoin (formerly sold under the brand name Accutane) is a very effective treatment for severe acne. However, there are risks associated with this medication and it should only be taken under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.

Potential side effects of isotretinoin include:

• Chapped lips
• Dry skin and itching
• Rash
• Dry eyes
• Nosebleeds
• Eye irritation
• Night blindness
• Joint and muscle pain
• Temporary thinning of hair
• Sun-sensitive skin
• Stomach problems

Although not common, other serious sides effects may include:

• Headaches (due to increasing pressure on the brain)
• Liver damage
  

What are Accutane Alternatives?

Generic Options

Although the brand Accutane is no longer available, there are still plenty of medications on the market today that contain the same active ingredient—isotretinoin. They're just sold under different brand names. 

A prescription is needed for all of these medications, and they all have the same side effects as Accutane. Registration in the iPledge program is also required of anyone taking isotretinoin.

Just like with Accutane, these medications are not right for everyone. But, in the right situations, these options are great substitutes for the now non-existent Accutane brand.

For some people, though, isotretinoin medication isn't an option. In this case, there are still plenty of treatment alternatives for people with stubborn inflammatory acne or severe acne breakouts.

Topical Retinoids

Topical retinoids come in creams, lotions, and gels that you apply to the skin, rather than take in pill form. Topical retinoids do some of the same things for your skin that isotretinoin can. They exfoliate the skin, reduce oiliness, help keep the pores clear, and prevent breakouts from forming. 

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are another option for treating severe acne. Since acne is caused, in part, by bacteria, oral antibiotics can help get breakouts under control. But because bacteria isn't the only culprit, your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe other medications along with oral antibiotics.

Hormonal Treatments

Spironolactone (aldactone) is another effective medication that is for adult women only. It's not specifically an acne treatment but can be used in certain circumstances to treat hormonal fluctuations that contribute to breakouts. Certain oral contraceptive pills can also be beneficial.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are sometimes used to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with severe acne. Corticosteroid shots can help clear large acne nodules or cysts that won't heal on their own.

A healthcare professional injects the corticosteroid directly into the blemish. This type of treatment can flatten the majority of nodules and cysts within 48 to 72 hours.

Acne Removal

Physically removing blemishes is another treatment method that can help with some forms of acne.

Acne extraction may be performed when acne treatments fail to clear blackheads and whiteheads. During this procedure, a healthcare professional uses sterile tools to carefully clear clogged or compacted pores.

Incision and drainage is another type of treatment used to remove large or painful acne cysts or nodules. This type of acne surgical procedure uses a sterile needle or blade to drain pus and debris from a pimple.

Summary

If you're struggling with severe or cystic acne, the best advice is to see a dermatologist. These serious forms of acne just don't go away on their own, don't improve with over-the-counter products, and can easily cause scarring.

Your dermatologist can help you devise the ideal treatment plan for your acne, utilizing isotretinoin or an isotretinoin-free medication that will work for you.