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To answer some questions from my experience
I have not had to had any significant diet changes- in the last couple years I have changed my eating patterns and now eat extrememly well. Bananas have some good vitamins in them, but they aren't the best fruit for you anyways. Now I just don't have any, whereas before I might have had it on a rare occassion. So no biggie- my doc didn't even mention really any side effects of it so I think major ones are rare- though having said that, everyone should certainly be aware of what they are putting in her body. Also, the blood tests confirmed everything was okay with me.
About the breast tenderness, it is possible for me (hard to say, maybe slightly) but once again nothing major. I feel as though it is possible my breasts have gotten slightly larger (almost like how they feel druing pms) however there is no significant difference.
I am not undermining the potential for bad things to happen to people on spiro, but after reading the threads and looking online, it seems to me that this is a small minority. It seems to me that the most likely undesirable outcome would be that it doesn't clear up your acne. I would encourage those with hormonal acne who have persistently not done well on other medications to talk to their doc about taking this drug.
Thanks for getting back to me on that. Do you think that the retin-A is as effective if the gel is under it- did your derm say anything about it? Right now, I am putting it on in the morning and then in the late afternoon and keep it on till night time. What do you think?
Does anyone know if it is ok to take Ortho tri-cyclen with spiro? Why does everyone take it with Yasmin?
Just looking between the two I think Ortho tri-cyclen is supposed to help with acne more than yasmin, but any thoughts would be appreciated.
I live outside of the U.S. and am going home to the states in three days. I have a gyno appt and a derm appt....so I just want to be prepared to get all these meds before I come back here.
Thanks for the support!
It is okay to take any type of bcp with spiro- most people here probably take yasmin b/c it has spiro in it (25 mg). so i think it depends on the cause of your acne as to which bcp will do best for you and then afterwards, how you respond to the various ones.
I think your routine sounds fine. As long as you get it on twice a day I think you'll be alright. Does it seem to be helping? Let me know if it works out for you. It has already helped me significantly. I may start trying your routine, however, b/c you do bring up a valid point. Perhaps the retin-A may not be as effective if the gel is under it - my derm didn't mention anything but I wouldn't doubt that the combo isn't as effective when used together.
uwbadger
Well, I have been on spiro for six or seven weeks now....I think it is probably seven. I have experienced a marked improvement so far and am very pleased with the results. Hopefully, I will be completely clear soon. Good luck to the rest of you, and I will continue to update.
Thanks for responding Lolo!
I have taken Ortho TrCyclen in the past and it helped a little bit..but didnt make a huge difference. Although, I do not remember having an intitial breakout so that is why I am leaning toward it as a choice. I figure, if it doesnt clear me up I can always try the Spiro along with it.
Well, before I went on the spiro, I had jawline acne. I only had acne around my jaw, chin, etc. But, it was gross. And it seemed like everytime it would almost clear up another three pimples would pop up out of nowhere!!! And, like I said, it was gross - a lot of the pimples were cystic. Very red, very deep and they hurt!!! I hate looking at pictures of what my face was like then. If I can find one lying around I'll post it.
As for breakouts in random places, the answer to that is no. I still get occassional pimples in the chin/jawline area (definitely not attractive) but not nearly as many as I used to. My face is NOT clear - but I have faith that it will be. It is so much better than it used to be.
What was your acne like before spiro? How has your spiro experience been?
I hope this helps.
uwbadger
Uwbadger - Just wondering since we've been on spiro about the same amount of time (maybe it's been eight weeks or nine for me) do you still get breakouts in random places? What was your acne like before spiro? I just wanted to see if you're experience is at all like mine!
Thanks in advance!
Leigh
Well, before I went on the spiro, I had jawline acne. I only had acne around my jaw, chin, etc. But, it was gross. And it seemed like everytime it would almost clear up another three pimples would pop up out of nowhere!!! And, like I said, it was gross - a lot of the pimples were cystic. Very red, very deep and they hurt!!! I hate looking at pictures of what my face was like then. If I can find one lying around I'll post it.
As for breakouts in random places, the answer to that is no. I still get occassional pimples in the chin/jawline area (definitely not attractive) but not nearly as many as I used to. My face is NOT clear - but I have faith that it will be. It is so much better than it used to be.
What was your acne like before spiro? How has your spiro experience been?
I hope this helps.
uwbadger
Thank you for your reply! In my teenage years, my acne was like typical teenage acne. (for me, cystic at times....mainly on my cheeks, forhead & chin...one - three at a time...I guess would be mild to moderate?) I started going to a derm at age 13, and ran the course of treatments (accutane only once in my mid-twenties) I decided to be a little more aggressive seeking out other treatments when a derm wanted to put me on accutane again. I'm 30, and tired of this acne (which was cystic occassionally, but generally mild), but would only go on accutane again if I had to (seemed like a temp solution). I discovered spiro through these boards & got a prescription from a new derm.
anyway! I've been on it for about nine weeks now, and things are finally looking up (hope I'm not jinxing myself!) Oil is under control, and breakouts are minimal. I got one on my forehead (i haven't gotten a zit on my forehead in the last ten years, probably!) that's been lingering for a couple of weeks *ugh*...but otherwise I seem good-to-go. I'm going to give spiro til my 31st birthday (end of August - which will be only four months on spiro) and if I'm still getting random breakouts, I might give accutane another go. But for now, spiro really does seem to be working. Even my boyfriend (who I don't really talk to about this) has noticed, as well as some of my friends.
I only hope that more women hear about spiro, since it's never ONCE been brought to my attention by a derm (and I've been to many derms!) I love hearing about other people's experiences with spiro, so please keep me posted! I wish you all the best of luck!
Leigh
Wow, it took a while to try and read through this whole thread. I will try and post my experience.
I have had cystic acne, extremely oily skin since I was 13. I took Accutane when I was 17 or 18 and it helped for a while. My skin was actually normal (no oil) for the first time in my life! It was great. My lips did get really dry but I used tons of chapstick. My skin stayed clear for a while but slowly my skin returned to it's very oily state and It would start breaking out again. I too have tried everything on the market from antibiotics (long term which messed up my stomach), to Retin and otc products. Nothing helped so again I went back on Accutane and the same thing happened as the first time. My skin did get better after each Accutane as I didn't get the cystic acne like before but my skin would still breakout with lots of pimples. I changed insurance companies and had to find a new obgyn and finally got the nerve up to talk to her about my suspicions of my acne being hormonal. She said she doubted that it was problem as I didn't have any other of the PCOS symptoms (excessive hair growth on my face, ect) but still agreed to do blood work. When I got my results I talked to a RN who is in charge of reading the results and prescribing a treatment plan. As it turns out I was COMPLETELY correct. I have high male hormones (andorgenesis) and high female hormones (prolactine). She put me on Spiro (50 mg 2X a day) and parlodel for the prolactine imbalance. I also started taking a bcpill but it made my migraines worse so she switched me to Desogen and this combination of meds has done a LOT for my skin. I have been on this program for about 8 years now and at first my skin was normal as far as oily goes. I think my bodies hormones are changing again and it's time to re-evaluate my medication as I am having small breakouts. I actually saw a derm (whom I generally don't care for them as they have never been able to help me) and well, this derm was the same as all the others but I did get her to give me some scripts and she did say that I had a minor case of rosacea. So she gave me Finacea and Differin. We will see if this helps my red cheeks and nose and helps with my odd type break outs. She just wanted to sell me a very expensive package of laser treatments. She talked very fast and I felt very rushed. I actually had to inturrupt her to ask questions.
I think Aldactone can help those with high male hormone levels like nothing else can but it also isn't for everyone. If it didn't work for you then as some suggested you might be allergic to it but I think that you probably don't have a testosterone problem and messing with this hormone can make your acne worse. Yes, my acne and hormones revolted when I got on the new meds but eventually my body adjusted and it's the only thing that has ever helped me!
I don't think that anyone should be taking this medication without being under a doctors care.
I can be dangerous and yes, you should have blood work done periodically.
So now I am left with trying to reduce all the damn scarring from the old cystic acne and all the red/brown marks all over my face! but that is a whole different story!
Goody2Shoes! I know exactly how you feel about having to wear a ton of makeup all the time to cover all the red marks and pimples. I too am extremely fair skinned and never go without my makeup. It was a huge deal for me to go to the derm this week with no makeup on but I know I will never seen any of those people again in my life and even if I did they wouldn't recognize me with my makeup on..lol.
Good luck to everyone who is on Aldactone and also to those of you for whom it didn't work! Don't give up! Keep doing your research that this wonderful internet has given us! Sorry for writing so much but after reading this whole thread it inspired me to share.
I've been on spironolactone/BCP combo for 2 years. (I used Diane-35 then switched to Yasmin 6 months ago) Gotta say it was the first thing that killed my cystic acne long term. I used antibiotics in the past and they worked great while I was on them but could not use them more than 6 months. Unfortunately, I just got a cyst on my cheek. The first one in 2 years. I just hope this is just temporary and it will go away soon
but still.. it is discouraging. I was so used to having clear skin and I'm scared my skin might go back the way it was.
I've been on spironolactone/BCP combo for 2 years. (I used Diane-35 then switched to Yasmin 6 months ago) Gotta say it was the first thing that killed my cystic acne long term. I used antibiotics in the past and they worked great while I was on them but could not use them more than 6 months. Unfortunately, I just got a cyst on my cheek.The first one in 2 years. I just hope this is just temporary and it will go away soon
I've been on spironolactone/BCP combo for 2 years. (I used Diane-35 then switched to Yasmin 6 months ago) Gotta say it was the first thing that killed my cystic acne long term. I used antibiotics in the past and they worked great while I was on them but could not use them more than 6 months. Unfortunately, I just got a cyst on my cheek.‚
Hi Nisa!
Just out of curiousity - how many milligrams of spiro are you on, and which bcp? Just wondering what has worked for others...I just got back from my derm & she wants to up my spiro dose (double it!)
Thanks!
Leigh
I've been on spironolactone/BCP combo for 2 years. (I used Diane-35 then switched to Yasmin 6 months ago) Gotta say it was the first thing that killed my cystic acne long term. I used antibiotics in the past and they worked great while I was on them but could not use them more than 6 months. Unfortunately, I just got a cyst on my cheek.‚
Hi Nisa!
Just out of curiousity - how many milligrams of spiro are you on, and which bcp? Just wondering what has worked for others...I just got back from my derm & she wants to up my spiro dose (double it!)
Thanks!
Leigh
Hi, I'm new here and have a few questions about spironolactone. I apologise in advance if my questions have been covered, I just haven't had time yet to read all 20 pages of this thread!
Has anyone had any success using spiro for only the week or so leading up to your period? I ask because I had found a derm forum archive in which this was discussed, and one particular derm said he prescribed spiro to several patients in this manner with very good results.
My other question is has anyone had success using lower doses of spiro, i.e., only 50 mg/day? Or must you take at least 100 mg/day to see results?
And lastly, has anyone had success using spiro alone, i.e., not along with BCP?
TIA
ginny11
I have also heard that women have had success with spiro only taking it the week or so leading up to their periods. On that note, I would be inclined to believe those women don't have persistent acne, and by that I mean that they don't suffer from breakouts all the time. If you find that you only have breakouts during or around your period, then that method may work for you. I have been taking spiro for about two months now, and am starting to see great results. With that said, it did take a while for these results to really be visible and I can say with 100% confidence that I would not have the same results taking spiro only one week per month. Then again, I suffered from persistent, jawline acne. My acne was not a once a month type thing.
As for the dose, at first I was on only 50mg - no results. Then, I upped it to 100mg, still no results. It wasn't until I started taking 200mg a day that I started to see an improvement. But, that's just me. According to my derm, you should start with a higher dosage and only decrease it once your skin has been clear consistently for a few months. Then, at that point, you should decrease your spiro intake to a level required only to sustain the improvement, as you are no longer trying to rid yourself of the acne.
I am on desogen and spiro. To be quite honest, I don't think that it makes all that much difference if you are on bcp's or not for the acne to clear up - I think the spiro does that all on it's own. However, several girls on this site have posted that they experienced period irregularities upon using spiro, and they were not taking bcps.
Good luck.
uwbadger
Hi, I'm new here and have a few questions about spironolactone. I apologise in advance if my questions have been covered, I just haven't had time yet to read all 20 pages of this thread!Has anyone had any success using spiro for only the week or so leading up to your period? I ask because I had found a derm forum archive in which this was discussed, and one particular derm said he prescribed spiro to several patients in this manner with very good results.
My other question is has anyone had success using lower doses of spiro, i.e., only 50 mg/day? Or must you take at least 100 mg/day to see results?
And lastly, has anyone had success using spiro alone, i.e., not along with BCP?
TIA
ginny11
So I am back...and I now have Yasmin and Spiro, but I am not going to take them both right off. I just started the Yasmin three days ago to see if that helps by itself...but I know I need to wait a few months or whatever. So far no sign of side affects like nausea, but I know its only been a few days.
When I went back to a dry climate my face totally started healing...so I think I just need to dry it out more when I am in Humidity. The derm gave me some Tazorac which I am using at night and it seems to be helping a bit.
I am also doing a clay mask and exfoliation which leaves my skin super soft...I was in the sun a lot last week so I need to get the dead skin off you know.
So all this plus my glycolic acid skin care system...which I love!
I hate jawline acne! But at least its not all over my face. I actually only have a few active pimples and the rest red marks...so maybe my drying out system is working.
I am glad someone related to me about the makeup...THANKS j-007!! I hate taking longer to get ready or not wanting to go under water at the pool or beach, but sometimes I just say forget it! Who cares...I want to have fun.
Ok that is enough blabbing. Talk to you all later.
Hello everyone! I am new here. I wanted to tell everyone about my experience with Spiro. I have had severe cystic acne for about 6 years. I have used various medications, creams, etc, but nothing seemed to work. The derm finally gave me an option of accutane or spiro. Accutane was not a option for me since I have other health issues the prevent me from taking it. I started taking 100mg of Spiro once daily. It took about 3 months before I started seeing any results. The results have been wonderful. I can see a major improvement (no more cystic breakouts). I still have a few zits every now and then, but nothing like before. When I went back for my check-up with the derm she changed the dosage to 100mg twice daily. It has made a another huge difference. My face is mostly cleared up, but I still have the awful scars left from my cystic acne. I hate looking in the mirror UGG! The derm finally gave me the go ahead to do laser surgery on my face. I have a appt with the surgeon this week to find out what can be done with the ugly scars. I also use the Brevoxyl 4 wash, Celina cream and Sulfozal (not sure of the spelling) cream (for spot treating breakouts). Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to tell about my experience in hopes that it may help others. If you have tried everything else with no results, this might be your wonder drug. It has been wonderful for me.
countrycutie68
Hello everyone! I am new here. I wanted to tell everyone about my experience with Spiro. I have had severe cystic acne for about 6 years. I have used various medications, creams, etc, but nothing seemed to work.
countrycutie68
Well, I have officially been on spiro for 2 months and 1 week. I must say, I am very pleased with the results. For the last few weeks, I have not had any breakouts, and that is saying a lot as I just got over my period yesterday. I still have a few red marks, but they are definitely fading. Overall, my skin is much improved. I hope that the rest of you have a similar experience.
uwbadger
Hello all...
I am 36, and my acne fight started in my early 20's.
I wanted to update you all on my Spiro experience.
I have been on it since Dec 13. 2004...so about 7 months now.
This has been a wonderful experience for me!
Due to the Depo-Provera BC Shot I am on,
my skin went whacko and produced oil like nobody's business.
Spiro has totally fixed that problem!
Mind you, I still have moments of oily skin...
it is +38 here today with 100% humidity...
so who wouldn't be a little shiny?
I do still have the occasional breakout ... here and there...
but nothing compared to the large painful cysts I used
to put up with constantly.
I have stayed at 100mg for the past 7 months...
I don't think I need to go to 150 or 200mgs.
All my blood tests have come back normal,
so my doctor is happy with that.
Hopefully now I am in my later 30's I can
start feeling normal about my skin.
I have spent too many years hiding behind
make-up - and hiding in the house on occasions
when my face (to me) was terrible.
If you are reading this and you are suffering from
cystic acne, or major oil production...
RUN...do not walk to your doctor!!! ask for this drug!!
I was weary of even mentioning that I heard about it here...
but now I am so glad I did!!
What have you got to loose if it doesn't work??
If it does...you will be as happy as me...and others!
My only beef now is trying to get my uneven coloring
on my face to fade. (which is hard to do in the summer)
4 years of taking Diane-35 (it did squat for me! crap in my opinion)
sure did a number on the pigment of my face!!
If I am out in the sun I will have darker sections on the sides
of my face...I really wish BC pills wouldn't do that !
But that is a small problem in my opinion...especially since
my face gets clearer every day!! wooo-hoooo!
good luck to all!
Hello everyone....
I've been on 25mg twice a day for 2 months, and now for the last 3 weeks I have been on 100mg a day, and I am not having any noticeable results. I am experiencing the same random pimples that other girls have mentioned on this site, so I am convinced there is something to the spiro messing with my hormones. I don't know how much longer to try it, and I dont know if my derm would up me 200! I have not been told that my acne is hormonal, but was prescribed it because I complained about my oily skin, along with my acne problem. She said it would help with the oil, and seemed rather convinced, but she didnt say anything about spiro until I mentioned my oily skin. She was ready to walk out and just prescribe me differin. So, I don't know! I haven't really been using the differin yet either because I was having microdermabrassion and then a light peel, so I know the differin isnt causing any pimples. I don't have PCOS or anything that I know of, but I did have heavy periods that the spiro has lightened, and this has been nice. My skin might be a bit less oily, but it's hardly noticeable. I am not on any birth control, and never have been. I am 32 years old, and have had acne since 15. About two years ago I went on accutane for persistant mild acne and the time of the month whiteheads I was getting, but had to stop due to side effects. I almost think that the accutane is responsible for putting my body out of whack evern more, because about 4 months later I started to develop small, but not noticeable bumps on the sides of my face, and well another few months after that, the side of my face started errupting in big whiteheads that take forever to go away! So, that's what led me back to the derm again for more help.
In the beginning I thought the spiro was drying my skin up, but then realized it was just the microdermabrasion that was doing it. It was great tho...For like a week and a half after each session my skin would practically stop producing oil! Now I realize it was the microdermabrasion, althought noone else has said it could dry u up to this extent...so aaahhhh, I am so confused. By the way, the microdermabrasion didnt really help my scars or anything. It did smooth my skin out a bit, but I dont think it's worth the money.
So that's it. I am anxious everyday waiting for somethng to happen. I really dont know how long to give the spiro. I am at a loss.
Well, sorry to go on so long. I hope I can update with better results in the future. Good Luck to the rest of you
Hey ladies,
I got a prescription for spiro today. I went into the appointment intending to ask for it, and I got it! Unfortunately, now I am scared to start it. I'm not too worried about any initial breakouts, I'm used to being zitty, but I am worried about systemic side effects. I want my skin clear like it used to be, but I do not want to fuck up the rest of me in the process. I've read alot of the responses on this thread, and they've helped, but I'm still uneasy.
I guess I just need to buck up and give it a shot. Argh! Why did my skin turn on me? It used to be so pretty...
Thanks for reading my vent! Good luck and great skin to all of you!
Mimi