Medications That Can Cause Acne Breakouts

Medications and prescriptions can trigger acne as a side effect and make it difficult to get clear skin.

One of the most frustrating aspects of acne is that it can be hard to determine what has triggered a breakout. If you are on medications, this guide may be helpful to determine if your medications are contributing to your acne. 

Please note this is not medical advice and you should always seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment.

Can Medications Cause Acne? 

Medications can be very stressful to skin, but ultimately the cause of acne is a genetic disfunction of a hair follicle. Medications can influence inflammation but do not ultimate cause acne. 

If you had clear skin and then developed acne after starting a medication, then you were already genetically predisposed for acne and it could be the medication triggered it. 

How to Tell if a Medication is Linked to Your Acne

In some cases, it can be clear a medication is causing breakouts because acne may start right after a medication begins. In other cases, it may take longer for acne to develop so it may be harder to pinpoint the exact cause.

If you are taking a medication and have developed acne or your acne has worsened, you should check the drug's known side effects and look for a connection to your breakouts. We have also provided a list below of medications that are known to cause acne.

What You Can Do if Medications Are Triggering Your Acne

If you suspect that a medicine is triggering your acne or making it worse, talk to your doctor who prescribed it. Ask if acne is a possible side effect and if you can take a different medication.

If you cannot switch medications, you may have to change your skincare products and strategies for a while. The Acne Lab can help by creating a skincare strategy that can support your skin. Book a consultation to talk to one of our Acne Experts to get started.

Medications with Known Links to Acne

Birth Control (oral and injections)

Examples: Mini-pill, shot, implant, and some IUDs
Birth control that is progestin dominant is more likely to exacerbate acne breakouts. Learn more about birth control that causes acne. 

Corticosteroids (oral and topical)

Examples: Prednisone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
Corticosteroids are a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, but it can actually cause or worsen acne.

Danazol (oral)

Examples: Danocrine
Treats endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. It has androgenic properties that increase oil production, which can lead to clogged pores, inflammation and acne. 

Fertility Drugs (injectable)

Examples: Pregnyl, Chorionic, Gonadotropin, Ovidrel, Novarel
Fertility drugs cause sharp increases in hormones that can stimulate oil production. This excess oil can clog pores and worsen acne.

Lithium (oral)

Examples: Eskalith, Lithobid
This drug treats bipolar disorder and is sometimes used to treat depression. Lithium can make skin pores more inflamed, causing cells to block the pores and exacerbate acne. It can be difficult to clear acne when taking this drug. 

Phenytoin and Carbamazepine (oral)

Examples: Dilantin, Tegretol
These antiepileptics are used to treat seizures are known to cause or worsen acne, but it's not clear how they make them worse. 

Testosterone (injection, gel, patch)

Testosterone is a type of androgen hormone that can increase oil production that leads to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne. 

Thyroid Medications (oral)

Examples: Levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid)
Some oral thyroid medications contains high levels of iodides, which can worsen acne. And if you are getting treatment for acne, it may take longer to see improvement in your skin while on these medications. 

This content is being provided for informational purposes only. This is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The Acne Lab is not offering, recommending, or endorsing any specific dietary guidelines, prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. The Acne Lab provides no warranty for any information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment.