25 replies to this topic

[luvsun24]

Given what I've heard about Accutane and Spiro, I'm honestly surprised that Spiro does not get prescribed more. I understand Spiro may not work for everyone (men... others with certain health conditions), but it seems to have quite a high success rate and that eligible candidates should try this before Accutane?

What do you all think? It's something I plan to speak with my derm about at the end of this month before getting my second month prescription for Accutane.

Thanks for any input.

I never tried Accutane, so I can't speak to that. However, Spiro (at the right dosage) has been a savior for me. Go and check out the book "The Hormonally Vulerable Woman", chapter 18, pages 276-287. You will be enlightened. He really compares the two treatments. This book gave me hope and the hope turned into success for me. I have no side effects from spiro and it does give my skin a very nice glow too. I would think it is much less costly (than Accutane) treatment and it is still very effective.

On a side note, I had to go to three different derms to finally find one that wanted to use hormonally-based treatment. The first two just wanted to prescribe all kinds of topicals (which do not work to control hormones, they only treat the symptom, not the cause) and when those didn't work, it was "Well, there's always Accutane". Finally, I found a derm who looked at things in a different way. She (sorry, guys, but usually the women dr's are more intune to the hormonal link) said that nearly all acne is hormonal and suggested Spiro for me. I had never heard of it, but this book backed it up as well. It is a God-send for me.

[CoolGuy68]

Look in my sig for my info.

[sf_chavez]

Thanks for the insight. I'm on day 5 of Accutane, so side effects yet, and still getting my weekly oxygen facials which is keeping my skin very smooth and moist.

I will talk to my derm about Spiro on my next visit at the end of this month and let you know what she says. She actually was open to the idea of Spiro... I actually pushed for the Accutane wanting to "just get it over with".

I'll be in touch and look forward to more of your feedback.

[sf_chavez]

Almost done with my first month of Accutane (Clarivis 40mg per day) and saw my derm today for my checkup and tests. She was pleased with the results and glad that I'm not experiencing many side effects other than the dry lips. She wants me on Amnesteem (the pharmacy gave me Clarivis and I did not know enough to say one way or the other). So I'll start 60mg per day of Amnesteem in the month of October. It will be interesting to see how I react!

I spoke with her about Accutane not curing hormonal acne, etc., etc. She was very honest and said "yes and no". While Accutane does work for many women and puts them into remission for many years or forever, some women are not that lucky and do have to go on some form of "hormonal" treatment after Accutane. She said that she rarely sees women return to the same level of acne as they were before Accutane, and she believes Accutane is a good way to "kick treatment into high gear", but a birth control program or some other maintence programs may be necessary for lasting results.

I am glad that she was honest with me and did not give me the "Accutane will cure you forever" story. I certainly hold out hope that I'm one of those women that does not relapse, but only time will tell. For now, I am seeing great results with Accutane with no major side effects. I'm sure my weekly facials are also helping, so I do plan to continue the combo therapy.

All for now!

[mickey67]

Glad to see accutane is going well for you ...

Spiro does work well for many people... but here's why I won't take it:

http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php?showtopic=116223

[sf_chavez]

Glad to see accutane is going well for you ...

Spiro does work well for many people... but here's why I won't take it:

http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php?showtopic=116223

mickey67 -
I've read your posts about Spiro and totally understand why it is not the right choice for you. I do hope that Accutane is my answer and I don't have to consider going on another medication for acne treatment... maybe some topicals or another form of birth control... we'll see!

I hope you have success on Accutane as well. We all deserve to look and feel great about ourselves!