• Fights acne-causing bacteria to reduce inflammation and breakout
  • Unblocks pores and promotes healthy skin cell turnove
  • Provides effective results when single treatments haven’t been enough

How it works?

Online Consultation

We ask you to complete a quick and easy consultation and get you started.

Choose condition

We have a selection of treatments available for various conditions.

Express Delivery

You will have complete visibility and control of your delivery.
Notice!

Before ordering this treatment, you may have to complete an online consultation

Overview

When acne feels stubborn and keeps coming back, Aknemycin Plus offers a dual-action approach. Combining an antibiotic (erythromycin) to fight acne-causing bacteria with a retinoid (tretinoin) to unclog pores, it tackles both the cause and the effect of breakouts.

Applied directly to problem areas, Aknemycin Plus works to reduce inflammation, clear existing spots, and prevent new ones from forming. With consistent use, it helps restore clearer skin and rebuild confidence.

This medicine requires a secure online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber, and will only be supplied if clinically appropriate.


What is Aknemycin Plus 


Aknemycin Plus is a prescription-only topical treatment designed for acne. It combines two active ingredients that work in different but complementary ways. Erythromycin, an antibiotic, targets the acne-causing bacteria to help reduce inflammation, while tretinoin, a retinoid, encourages healthy skin cell turnover and helps keep pores clear. By addressing both the bacterial and skin cell causes of breakouts, Aknemycin Plus offers an effective option for mild to moderate inflammatory acne, particularly in cases where single treatments alone have not provided sufficient results.

Directions

  • Apply a thin layer to affected areas once or twice daily, as directed by your prescriber.
  • Wash and gently dry your skin before application.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, nostrils, and broken skin.
  • Consistency is key — noticeable improvement is usually seen after 6–8 weeks.
  • Always use sunscreen during the day, as tretinoin can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Aknemycin Plus can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Temporary redness
  • Dryness or peeling
  • Mild burning or irritation


Less common (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Skin sensitivity to sunlight
  • Increased risk of irritation when used with harsh skincare products


Most people tolerate Aknemycin Plus well, and side effects (if they do occur) are usually mild. If you are concerned about any symptoms, or they do not improve, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or prescriber.

Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always read the patient information leaflet provided with your medicine for full details. If you experience severe or worrying symptoms, seek medical advice straight away. In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

Warnings

Aknemycin Plus may not be suitable if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding (tretinoin is not recommended)
  • Have very sensitive or eczema-prone skin
  • Are already using other topical retinoids or antibiotics (risk of irritation/resistance)


Always avoid excessive sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum SPF while on treatment.

Frequently asked questions
  • What is Aknemycin Plus and how does it work?

    Aknemycin Plus is a topical acne medicine that combines erythromycin, an antibiotic, with tretinoin, a retinoid. It reduces inflammation, kills acne-causing bacteria and helps unblock pores. This dual action makes it effective for both surface spots and deeper breakouts. It is often used when other topical treatments haven’t helped enough.

  • How long does Aknemycin Plus take to work?

    Aknemycin Plus can start reducing inflammation within a few weeks, although the full benefit usually takes six to eight weeks. Because tretinoin speeds up skin turnover, breakouts may briefly worsen before improving. Consistent daily use is important for good results.

  • How do I use Aknemycin Plus correctly?

    Apply a thin layer once daily to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Start slowly if you have sensitive skin, as tretinoin can cause irritation when first introduced. Using too much will not speed up results and may cause dryness or redness.

  • What side effects can Aknemycin Plus cause?

    Common side effects include redness, dryness, peeling and mild stinging, especially in the first few weeks. These usually settle as your skin adapts. If irritation becomes severe or painful, a clinician may adjust how often you apply it or recommend an alternative treatment.

  • Who should not use Aknemycin Plus?

    Aknemycin Plus may not be suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have very sensitive skin or are allergic to erythromycin. It should not be applied to broken skin or eczema. A clinician can advise if another treatment is safer for your skin type.

  • Can Aknemycin Plus be used with other acne treatments?

    Yes, but combinations should be guided by a clinician to avoid excessive irritation or antibiotic overuse. It is often paired with benzoyl peroxide or oral treatments for more persistent acne. Avoid harsh exfoliants when using tretinoin, as they can increase dryness.

  • Can I buy Aknemycin Plus online in the UK?

    Yes. Aknemycin Plus is prescription-only and available from UK-regulated online pharmacies after a consultation. This ensures it’s appropriate for your acne type and safe alongside any other treatments you’re using.

  • Is Aknemycin Plus good for inflammatory or cystic acne?

    Aknemycin Plus can help with mild to moderate inflammatory acne because it targets both bacteria and blocked pores. For deeper, cystic acne, clinicians may recommend stronger options such as oral antibiotics or retinoids. Aknemycin Plus is sometimes used alongside other treatments when inflammation is the main issue.

  • Can Aknemycin Plus help with acne scars or marks?

    Aknemycin Plus does not treat deep scars, but the tretinoin component can help fade dark marks and improve skin texture over time. Results appear gradually over several months. More persistent scarring may require specialist treatments such as chemical peels or dermatology referral.

  • What should I do if Aknemycin Plus causes dryness or irritation?

    If irritation occurs, reduce how often you apply it or use a gentle moisturiser once it has fully absorbed. These effects usually improve as the skin adjusts. If the irritation becomes severe or doesn’t settle, speak to a clinician about adjusting your routine.

  • Can I use makeup or skincare alongside Aknemycin Plus?

    Yes, but choose non-comedogenic products and avoid harsh scrubs or strong acids, as these can increase irritation. Let Aknemycin Plus dry completely before applying makeup or moisturiser. A simple, gentle routine usually works best while your skin adjusts.

  • Should I avoid the sun while using Aknemycin Plus?

    Yes. Tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of redness or irritation. Use sunscreen daily and avoid strong sun exposure while using Aknemycin Plus. This helps protect your skin and supports treatment results.

  • How long should I continue using Aknemycin Plus?

    Many people use Aknemycin Plus for several months to maintain clear skin and prevent clogged pores. A clinician may recommend longer use depending on your acne pattern. If your acne returns quickly after stopping, a long-term plan may be needed.

  • What if Aknemycin Plus doesn’t improve my acne?

    If there’s little improvement after several weeks, your clinician may recommend alternatives such as Duac, Treclin, adapalene alone or oral treatments. Each works differently, so adjusting your regime often leads to better results.