Can't get a prescription for antibiotics for my acne

[Liquoricecreamrock]

Without having to go on the pill. I'm 39, I don't want to go back on the pill, don't want the hormones in my body and I like having my natural cycle but the surgery said I need to be taking contraception other than condoms in order for me to be prescribed the antibiotics because it's not safe to take them if you fall pregnant.
I've tried acneside and zineryt but they aren't helping anymore. Not sure what my other options are now 🤷‍♀️

Tretinoin?

How about having a copper coil fitted?

If you can afford £23 a month then have a look at Dermatica. You can get a private prescription for tretinoin from them.

Just pick up the pill but don't take it?

I've not heard of tretinoin. Is it any good?

I never thought of that Springfern but I think they wanted me to have a review after 3 months of taking it.

That’s outrageous, so your surgery has a policy of not prescribing antibiotics for acne to sexually active women unless they agree to take the pill? Fuck that. Complain and change surgery. My surgery prescribed mine no problem.

@Liquoricecreamrock

I've not heard of tretinoin. Is it any good?

It's brilliant stuff for acne and anti ageing but you can't buy it, it's prescription only.

Erythromycin tablets might be an option if they won't prescribe doxycycline or lymecycline. It can be used for short courses in pregnancy so won't cause the same problems if you did fall pregnant while on it as the others. Superdrug online doctors are very helpful and quite reasonably priced I have found

My DD’s request was declined for the same reason, ie risk of pregnancy, but she did eventually get it. She’s a teenager.

Look at skin and me, they can prescribe you with tret, you fill out your concerns and send over. Photographs for the pharmacist to review.
It will help clear up your acne, they will start you with a low percentage and slowly build it over time. It makes your skin sensitive to UV so you’ll need to wear a good spf everyday.

tretinoin is good, but may be even more problematic than antibiotics if you fall pregnant, i suspect you'd have the same issue with your surgery prescribing it....

Have you tried Epiduo? You can order from online pharamcies. It's a prescription topical and it's awesome.

Surely that’s sex discrimination?

@MMAMPWGHAP

It's because the medical can cause sever birth deformities. 40% of all pregnancies are unplanned, drs are obviously in a difficult position.

If you're talking about Roaccutane then YABVU. From the NHS website:

This medicine is likely to harm a baby. It also increases the risk of miscarriage.

If you become pregnant during treatment with isotretinoin capsules, stop taking the capsules and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

It's very important that you do not get pregnant while you're taking isotretinoin capsules. You'll be asked by your doctor to follow strict rules to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 1 month afterwards.

Before starting treatment with isotretinoin capsules, women who are able to become pregnant must agree to:

use at least 1, and ideally 2, reliable methods of contraception for 1 month before starting isotretinoin capsules, and for 1 month after treatment has stopped - the second contraceptive should be a barrier method of contraception (for example, a condom), but you shouldn't use barrier methods on their own
have a pregnancy test before, during, and 5 weeks after the end of treatment - some doctors may ask you to have monthly pregnancy tests

Your doctor will give you a patient reminder card for isotretinoin. Read this card and the information leaflet that comes with your medicine before you start taking the capsules.

Do not breastfeed while you're using isotretinoin capsules. This medicine can get into breast milk and harm your baby.

What happens if you’re unable to take the pill for medical reasons? You’re just left to suffer the bad skin?

Second skin and me as recommended up thread
Plenty of codes about but I have one for 2 months free if you want it. It's topical but prescription (antibiotics/retinol depending on what the dermatologist prescribed)

I'd smile and nod , collect the prescription and just not take the pill. They wont ever know and you'll get the treatment for your skin.

I was given antibiotic cream and i haven't had acne since

Thanks all. I'll speak to the surgery again and see what they say. I may try an alternative to antibiotics and Pill.

Have you tried Duac on prescription? Sorted my acne out a treat (I have PCOS).

@igotdemons thats what i had, it's amazing

@FixTheBone

tretinoin is good, but may be even more problematic than antibiotics if you fall pregnant, i suspect you'd have the same issue with your surgery prescribing it....

Well no. You go to dermatica.com

@Springfern

Just pick up the pill but don't take it?

Great. Waste NHS time and resources plus make your medical records inaccurate.