Accutane Alternatives for Treating Acne

If you're looking for an Accutane alternative to treat your acne, you probably will fall into one of two categories. You either are looking for a substitute brand to Accutane, or you want 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.

Accutane Alternatives

The medication that most of us know as Accutane hasn't actually been sold under that brand name since 2009 when the company stopped selling the medication. That doesn't mean you're out of luck.

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. 

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. The bottom line is there are Accutane alternatives, so this treatment option is still available for people with cystic or severe acne.

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.

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.

Isotretinoin-Free Options

For some people, though, isotretinoin medication isn't an option. Or maybe you'd just prefer not to use isotretinoin. In either case, there are still plenty of treatment options for people with stubborn inflammatory acne or severe acne breakouts.

Topical retinoids are one option. These 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, and help keep the pores clear and prevent breakouts from forming. 

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.

A Word From Verywell

If you're struggling with severe or cystic acne, the best advice really 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 perfect treatment plan for your acne, utilizing isotretinoin or an isotretinoin-free medication that will work for you.