4 replies to this topic

[Natashagirl]

OKay, after a quest that I did, I stil haven't found the answer to this question. What is the duration of treatment Spironolactone for acne?? And when should I give up on Spiro? Please, somebody! It says it takes 3 whole months, in other article I found 5-6 months, my derm says that It may take for about a year or so. I am kinda confused. I've been on Spiro for 2-3 months, yeah, some of my cysts are gone, but I still get pimples. I am not clear for 90%. I try to ignore negative reviwes about Spiro, cuz sometimes pple post a reivew after being on drug just for 2 weeks or 1 month( or by not following healthy diet and right regimen). But Is it true that Spiro gets less and less effective like antibiotics?

[amy91]

Very good question! I am curious about the duration of treatment too.

[the uphill battle]

My understanding is you cannot grow resistant to Spiro because it simply blocks androgens and in turn decreases sebum production. With antibiotics, the acne morphs and changes creating new strands that are no longer cleared by the particular antibiotic. I don't believe androgens have a way of doing this. I broke out at 3 months and 5 months pretty bad, but it was smooth sailing after that. I no longer get the deep, painful pimples that I used to. It wasn't a miracle drug for me, I still break out, but my skin has significantly improved from Spiro. I've been on it about two years now..and I never want to get off it! It's made that big of a difference. I only wish I found out about it sooner so I could have prevented some scarring. I suggest you give it more time. Some people on here found their most significant results at 9 months. Be patient! Goodluck to you.

[amy91]

You've been on Spiro for 2 years? I thought u cannot be on that for more than 1 year. I'd like to be on Spiro as long as it works for my skin, I'm just afraid of side effects that can come up from long term usage. And obviously u cannot get pregnant while on this drug.
P.S Could someone type up a link of some research about Spiro's results, duration time and other reviews. I've been googling, but i'd like to read something new.

[Eradorael]

I've been on Spiro for about 1.5 years, and my derm said I can be on it indefinitely. Spiro is an androgen receptor antagonist so it can lose some effectiveness if your androgen receptors up-regulate (sensitize), but I wouldn't worry too much about that.

I had good results after bumping up my dose from 50mg-100mg, and now I'm at 150mg. I think I've only had 3 breakouts in the last year, and I saw great results after being on the 100mg dose for a month. My guess is you should ask your derm if she can increase your dose.