Acne can be caused by taking prescription medications, unrelated to skin problems as one of the side effects. As frustrating as it may be, it is important to take medications prescribed by your doctor, even when the side effects include acne. Talk to your doctor to find out if there are alternative medications with fewer side effects.
The medications that have acne as a side effect include anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, disulfuram, immuran, INH, quinine and thyroid preparations.
Epilepsy patients require anticonvulsants to control seizures. It does not cause acne, but your body does create more sebum when on this medication.
Asthma and lung disease patients require corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are comedogenic and cause your body to produce less androgen.
Alcoholics are prescribed disulfuram to help them stay sober. Acne can occur while on this drug whether they are drinking alcohol or not.
Those with immune problems are prescribed immuran. When on this medication, your body will not fight bacteria as well because patients on this medication are awaiting organ donations and need to slow down their immune system while waiting.
Tuberculosis patients are prescribed INH and one of the side effects is acne.
Those controlling or preventing malaria are prescribed quinine. Your doctor may have alternative medications for you.
Finally, thyroid medication known as thyroid preparations can cause acne. The iodine contained in this drug is the trigger for causing acne.
Again, talk to your dermatologist or even do some research yourself on alternative medications you can take that will not cause acne. Your health should be your number one priority, so if there are no alternatives, you may just have to deal with the acne.
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