Acne Medications Acanya

Acne Medications Acanya

Available in the form of a gel, Acanya is a medicine that is applied to the skin to treat acne. It contains a combination of two medications, which work by killing acne-causing bacteria. In most cases, this prescription skin gel is applied to the affected areas once daily. Possible side effects include skin irritation, such as redness, itching, and burning.

What Is Acanya?

Acanya^® (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide) is a prescription acne medication that contains a combination of two active ingredients: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. This medicine comes as a topical gel, which is applied directly on the skin.

 

(Click Acanya Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

 

Who Makes This Medication?

Acanya is made by Contract Pharmaceuticals Limited for Coria Laboratories.

 

How Does Acanya Work?

Acanya is a combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. These medications work in different ways to treat acne.

 

Clindamycin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as lincosamides. It works by binding to bacterial ribosomes (the parts of cells that make proteins) and interfering with their ability to make proteins, which are necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply. This helps stop the spread of the bacteria that contribute to acne (Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes for short).

 

Benzoyl peroxide is also thought to work by killing P. acnes. It does this by releasing oxygen into the pores of the skin. Because P. acnes is a type of anaerobic bacteria, which means it lives without oxygen, the oxygen kills the bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide also helps soften and peel away the outer layer of the skin, which can open up clogged pores and help improve the skin's appearance

Clinical Effects

In clinical studies, Acanya reduced the number of acne lesions in people with moderate-to-severe acne. In these studies, people using Acanya had a more noticeable overall improvement in their acne than people who used clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, or a placebo (a gel that does not contain any active ingredients) for 12 weeks.

 

In one study, people using Acanya had a 55 percent decrease, on average, in inflammatory acne lesions. By comparison, people using clindamycin had a 47 percent decrease, people using benzoyl peroxide had a 49 percent decrease, and people using the placebo had a 34 percent decrease. Acanya also reduced the number of noninflammatory acne lesions more than the other products.

 

When and How to Use It

Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Acanya include the following:

 

• This medication comes in a gel. It is usually applied in a thin layer (a "pea-sized" amount) to the face once daily.

 

• Before using Acanya, gently wash the affected area(s) with a mild cleanser, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Apply the medication after your face is dry.

 

• Acanya should only be applied to the skin. Avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, as is can irritate these areas. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying it.

 

• Apply the medicine to the entire face (or other affected area), not just individual pimples.

 

• To minimize the risk of excessive skin irritation, do not use astringents, alcohol-containing toners, or other medicated skin products while using Acanya without your healthcare provider's approval.

 

• Try to avoid prolonged or excessive sun exposure while using this medicine, as it will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Make sure to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, such as a hat, while you are out in the sun.

 

• Apply Acanya to intact skin only. Do not apply it to cuts or open wounds.

 

• For the medication to work properly, it must be used as prescribed. Applying more gel or applying it more often, will not make it work faster or more effectively.

 

Dosing Information

There is only one standard recommended dose of this medication, regardless of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.

 

(Click Acanya Dosage for more information.)

 

Side Effects of Acanya

Just like any medicine, Acanya may cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.

 

If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

 

Common side effects of Acanya include but are not limited to:

 

• Redness of the skin
• Peeling skin
• Itching
• Burning or stinging.

 

(Click Acanya Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

 

Drug Interactions

Acanya may react with a few other medications (see Acanya Drug Interactions for more information).

 

Important Information for Your Healthcare Provider

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Acanya if you have:

 

• Eczema
• Sunburned, windburned, or otherwise irritated skin
• Sensitivity to the sun or if you go out in the sun often
• Colitis
• Crohn's disease
• A history of inflammation of the colon from antibiotics (antibiotic-associated colitis)
• An upcoming surgery with general anesthesia
• Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

 

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

 

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Acanya and Pregnancy)
• Breastfeeding (see Acanya and Breastfeeding).

 

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements

What If I Overdose on Acanya?

Using too much of this medication may cause significant skin irritation, but it is unlikely to be extremely dangerous. However, Acanya may be harmful if swallowed. It is important to seek medical attention if you believe you have overdosed on Acanya, or have taken it by mouth.

 

(Click Acanya Overdose for more information.)

 

How Should It Be Stored?

Acanya should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Do not freeze it. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Throw out any unused portion 10 weeks after you fill your prescription. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

 

What Should I Do If I Forget a Dose of Acanya?

If you forget to use a dose of Acanya, just use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, however, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra medication to make up for a missed dose.

 

Available Strengths

Acanya comes in one strength and form: Acanya 1.2%/2.5% Topical Gel, which contains 1.2 percent clindamycin and 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide. It comes in a 50-gram pump bottle.

 

Acne Medications part 2

Acne Medications part 2

Prescription Oral Medicines

For patients with moderate to severe acne, the doctor often prescribes oral antibiotics (taken by mouth). Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation.

 

Prescription oral and topical acne medications may be combined. For example, benzoyl peroxide may be combined with clindamycin, erythromycin, or sulfur. Other common antibiotics used as treatment for acne are:

 

• Tetracycline
• Minocycline
• Doxycycline.
   

Some people have side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as:

 

• An increased tendency to sunburn
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Changes in skin color.
   

Tetracycline is not given to pregnant women, nor is it given to children under eight years of age because it might discolor developing teeth.

 

Tetracycline and minocycline may also decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, a backup or alternative form of birth control may be needed. Prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

 

Accutane

Your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane^® if other acne treatments have not worked. Accutane (isotretinoin) is an oral drug for acne that is usually taken once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20 weeks. It markedly reduces the size of the oil glands so that much less oil is produced. As a result, the growth of bacteria is decreased. Accutane can help prevent scarring and treat active acne.

 

Advantages of Accutane

Accutane is a very effective medication that can help prevent scarring. After 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with Accutane, acne completely or almost completely goes away in up to 90% of patients. In those patients where acne recurs after a course of Accutane, the doctor may institute another course of the same treatment or prescribe other medicines

Disadvantages of Accutane

Accutane can also cause birth defects. It is important that you are not pregnant and do not plan to get pregnant while taking this medicine for acne. Those who take Accutane must use two methods of birth control at the same time. This is done for one month before acne treatment begins, during acne treatment, and for a full month after stopping the drug. Talk with your dermatologist about when it's safe to get pregnant.

 

Some people with acne become depressed by the changes in the appearance of their skin. Changes in mental health may be intensified during cystic acne treatment or soon after completing a course of medicines like Accutane. A doctor should be consulted if a person feels unusually sad or has other symptoms of depression, such as loss of appetite or trouble concentrating.

 

Other side effects of this acne drug may include:

 

• Dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose, or skin
• Itching
• Nosebleeds
• Muscle aches
• Sensitivity to the sun
• Poor night vision.
   

More serious side effects include changes in the blood and liver.

 

To make sure treatment with Accutane is stopped if side effects occur, doctors monitor blood studies that are done before cystic acne treatment is started and also periodically during treatment. Side effects usually go away after the medicine is stopped.

 

Acne Medications

Acne Medications: An Overview

Certain medications are used to address several problems that are possible causes of acne, such as:

 

• Abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles
• Increased oil production
• Bacteria
• Inflammation.
   

Depending on the extent of the person's acne, the doctor will recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medications or prescription medicines. Prescription medications for acne may be topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using multiple topical medications or combining oral and topical medications.

 

OTC Topical Medications

Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical acne medication for people with mild signs of acne. Topical medications are applied directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin.

 

Common topical OTC medications for acne include:

 

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Resorcinol
• Salicylic acid
• Sulfur.
   

Each of these drugs works a little differently. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing Propionibacterium acnes bacteria and may also reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads (see Types of Acne). Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Topical OTC acne medicines are available in many forms, such as:

 

• Gels
• Lotions
• Creams
• Soaps
• Pads.
   

In some patients, OTC medications for acne may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. Some people find that the side effects lessen or go away with continued use of the medicine. Severe or prolonged side effects should be reported to the doctor.

 

OTC topical medications are somewhat effective in treating acne when used regularly. Patients must keep in mind that it can take eight weeks or more before they notice their skin looks and feels better.

Prescription Topical Medicines

Patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription topical or oral medications, alone or in combination.

 

Several types of prescription topical medications are used for acne treatment, including:

 

• Antibiotics
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Tretinoin
• Adapalene
• Azelaic acid.
   

Antibiotics and azelaic acid help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Tretinoin, a type of drug called a retinoid that contains an altered form of vitamin A, is an effective topical acne medication for stopping the development of new comedones (basic acne lesions). It works by unplugging existing comedones, thereby allowing other topical acne medications, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. The doctor may also prescribe newer retinoids or retinoid-like drugs, such as tazarotene or adapalene, which help decrease comedo formation.

 

Like OTC topical medications, prescription topical medications for acne come as creams, lotions, solutions, or gels. The doctor will consider the patient's skin type when prescribing a product. Creams and lotions provide moisture and tend to be good for people with sensitive skin. Gels and solutions are generally alcohol based and tend to dry the skin. Therefore, patients with very oily skin or those who live in hot, humid climates may prefer them. The doctor will tell the patient how to apply the medication and how often to use it.

 

Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical acne medications. Initially, the skin may look worse before improving. Common side effects include:

 

• Stinging
• Burning
• Redness
• Peeling
• Scaling
• Discoloration of the skin.
   

With some medications for acne, like retinoids, these side effects usually decrease or go away after the medicine is used for a period of time. Patients should report prolonged or severe side effects to their doctor. Between four and eight weeks will most likely pass before patients see their skin improve.