gloria - thank you for the input on the potassium. That was very reassuring. Good luck with your treatment.

Thank you glorianaf!

My derm and pharmacist told me the exact same thing. It's very reassuring.

Hey, I haven't been here in awhile. So it's a great time for an update.

I'm now in my 3rd month (started on Spiro in late Feb 2007). I upped my dose to 150mg for a week, last month I believe? Anyway I took it back down to 100mg in one dose per day. My skin is truly clearer than it's ever been. I didn't even break out like I have in previous months with a cyst on my neck (which was getting to be too normal) or a large pimple or two before or during my period as I did last month. I am having side effects though: I've now had my period two times in this last month. I'm not thrilled with this. It's ruined my sex life!! I can't hold an egg to save mu life! Although my bac-ne is very rare. And I have only gotten the occasional black head. So I mean WOW. I have to be VERY careful with alcohol. This being a diaretic I just need so much water per day just to feel good. So, I found out last night (had 5 microbrews - I'm 5'2" 100 pounds). And even though it was just so much fun to be a bit drunk, I woke up really swollen and have really dry skin today plus a huge hang over. I'm thrilled with my results and seriously recommend spironolactone as a true cure to acne. And I do know it will just get better in the next 3 months. I plan on getting on the cream form natural progestrone to help with this period problem (I've read alot on this). I do not take BC. But if things do not improve with progestrone I will turn to it. I hope that you, that are reading this, that are not yet on Spironolactone, that you really give this a shot, give it time like I have. I hope you too won't be disappointed. Cheers! 26th B.day pic attached (I think?)

Hi all, I must admit that I feel kind of weird posting here since I'm a guy but I'm almost at wits end. My wife was recently diagnosed with PCOS and she is terrified to take BCP because of the chance that it will make her acne worse.

 

She has been so depressed lately and feels that Spiro is her best chance. Only problem is that her OB keeps INSISTING to try Yasmine and giving her the run around about prescribing Spiro (I'm guessing because it would cost the hospital less). I've read that although Yasmine might help, it could potentially make her acne worse, as opposed to Spiro, where it either helps or doesnt. She swears that if she breaks out more, she "won't make it."

 

How much would something like this cost if it were not covered by insurance? I love my wife dearly and I'm willing to do/pay anything at this point to help my wife. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Concernedhubby

Hey,

I've skimmed through all 29 pages but I'm hoping someone can give me some specific advice....

I was recently prescribed spiro by a dermatologist, but he put me on 25mg pills twice a day (50mg). From reading all the posts about the dosages, i decided to up myself to 100mg, as many have said that any less won't make a difference.. which means i've been taking 2 pills in the morning and 2 at night. Is this not a good idea? Since starting about a week ago, my skin has gotten worse but I'm optimistic that it will get better soon. I havent broken out anywhere i dont normally break out (jawline/lower cheeks). For those who have seen success with spiro, does this sound typical? I'm just very confused about the dosage, and if i'm harming myself by taking 2 extra pills a day of 25mg.

Hey,

I've skimmed through all 29 pages but I'm hoping someone can give me some specific advice....

I was recently prescribed spiro by a dermatologist, but he put me on 25mg pills twice a day (50mg). From reading all the posts about the dosages, i decided to up myself to 100mg, as many have said that any less won't make a difference.. which means i've been taking 2 pills in the morning and 2 at night. Is this not a good idea? Since starting about a week ago, my skin has gotten worse but I'm optimistic that it will get better soon. I havent broken out anywhere i dont normally break out (jawline/lower cheeks). For those who have seen success with spiro, does this sound typical? I'm just very confused about the dosage, and if i'm harming myself by taking 2 extra pills a day of 25mg.

Hey,

I've skimmed through all 29 pages but I'm hoping someone can give me some specific advice....

I was recently prescribed spiro by a dermatologist, but he put me on 25mg pills twice a day (50mg). From reading all the posts about the dosages, i decided to up myself to 100mg, as many have said that any less won't make a difference.. which means i've been taking 2 pills in the morning and 2 at night. Is this not a good idea? Since starting about a week ago, my skin has gotten worse but I'm optimistic that it will get better soon. I havent broken out anywhere i dont normally break out (jawline/lower cheeks). For those who have seen success with spiro, does this sound typical? I'm just very confused about the dosage, and if i'm harming myself by taking 2 extra pills a day of 25mg.

I did the same thing. My derm prescribed 50 mg once a day. After a couple weeks, I upped it myself so I was taking 100 a day. Well... so I had a bad initial break out. But then my skin got REALLY CLEAR. BUTTTT, here's the issue. I started to get jaundice. I mean, I'm not a doctor, but the skin between my fingers on one handed started turning yellow/orange, and spreading. So I went back down to my 50 a day, and the yellow went away. But the acne got HORRIBLE. So I went back up to 100, acne got better, yellow skin came back with a vengence. And it's not just unattractive, it means your liver cannot process the stuff and is shutting down. So please monitor yourself carefully. I have to go to my derm next week and confess to having upped my dosage myself and also ask what we can do. I don't want to give spiro up but at 50 a day it doesn't really help.

wow i dont know if i should be worried now... i need to find out about my refills too, thats a good point that i never considered. because obviously i'll go through my pills twice as fast since im taking double what was prescribed.

smuckers, how long until your initial breakout cleared up?? the reaction your skin had was definitely attributed to the spiro? thats scary to hear. i hope things have gotten better thanks for your advice

i'm not taking any type of birth control pills, so that was another reason why i decided to up my dosage... i'm not sure if i should continue tho. also i forgot to mention that the derm still has me on antibiotics (doryx and nicomide). does anyone have any experience with the combination of the three?

i really appreciate everyones posts on here!!

wow i dont know if i should be worried now... i need to find out about my refills too, thats a good point that i never considered. because obviously i'll go through my pills twice as fast since im taking double what was prescribed.

smuckers, how long until your initial breakout cleared up?? the reaction your skin had was definitely attributed to the spiro? thats scary to hear. i hope things have gotten better thanks for your advice

i'm not taking any type of birth control pills, so that was another reason why i decided to up my dosage... i'm not sure if i should continue tho. also i forgot to mention that the derm still has me on antibiotics (doryx and nicomide). does anyone have any experience with the combination of the three?

i really appreciate everyones posts on here!!

I take bc too (yasmin). My initial breakout last a while, at least a month. Then after I was on the higher dosage of spiro for like 1-2 weeks, my skin got a LOT better. Now it's shit again b/c I'm too scared to take 100mg of spiro anymore. Ugh ugh ugh. But 50 mg for me is definitely not doing anything to help.

I had been on Minocycline long-term (along with generic Desogen bcp called "Apri", and generic Retin-A cream). I started taking Spiro (gradually went from 25 mg to 200 mg daily per my doctor's orders), and after about a month of skin improvement, I decided to discontinue the antibiotic. It's now been 6 months on Spiro (5 months without the Minocycline) and my skin looks soooo much better. I still get the occasional tiny pimple, but that's it. My only problem now is that my skin is always dry and flaky, even when I load up on moisturizer. Any suggestions? I already drink a ton of water. Thanks!

I had been on Minocycline long-term (along with generic Desogen bcp called "Apri", and generic Retin-A cream). I started taking Spiro (gradually went from 25 mg to 200 mg daily per my doctor's orders), and after about a month of skin improvement, I decided to discontinue the antibiotic. It's now been 6 months on Spiro (5 months without the Minocycline) and my skin looks soooo much better. I still get the occasional tiny pimple, but that's it. My only problem now is that my skin is always dry and flaky, even when I load up on moisturizer. Any suggestions? I already drink a ton of water. Thanks!

Happy to hear about your success, Crystallynn! I started spiro 30 days ago and I think it's going pretty well. No big breakouts since I started but I did get a few pimples this week. I'm expecting my period in the next day or so, so this is not earth shattering news but it's a bummer nonetheless. It's good to hear stories from others like you who tell us to hang in there and give it the time it needs to work. I started on 50mg/day and went up to 75mg/day this week. Oil production is noticeably down but I can't wait to see the real transformation that I hope will take place over the next few months. I will likely up my dose to 100mg/day next month, but I'll see what my skin does over the next few weeks. Can't wait to be CLEAR! Love this site...thank you to everyone for their stories, advice, and support!

Thanks Peachy.

 

Well, my wife called the hospital but looks they are playing hardball or are just plain ignorant. They are saying that her problems are not "hormone" based and therefore only needs to see her OB, who won't prescribe her Spiro. They say that she needs to be referred by her Primary care physician to see a hormone specialist (Endocrinologist i believe). Only thing is that they are saying that she does not need to see her primary care physician because her problem has already been diagnosed as PCOS (which they say don't involve Endocrinologists) which they handle with OB's ! Can you believe that?

 

She called again today and they kept asking why she needed to see her Primary Care Physician over and over, paranoid that she is going to try to be referred to an Endocrinologist. What's up with that? I thought PCOS was also a problem with hormones?? She was finally able to convince them that it was for a routine check up, so we have an appointment in a couple of weeks. Hopefully her Primary Care Physician will refer her to one.

For all you girls who have had success with spiro, what was your acne like before?

all the doctors who i'v asked about spiro say they prescribe it but usually only if the acne is on the chin and jawline or corresponds with the menstrual cycle or if there are other signs of excess androgens such has facial/body hair. I get pimples all over my face not just my chin and jawline and it happens at anytime during my cycle. i also don't have excess facial or body hair. I do have really oily skin though. I wonder if spiro would work for me.

For all you girls who have had success with spiro, what was your acne like before?

 

all the doctors who i'v asked about spiro say they prescribe it but usually only if the acne is on the chin and jawline or corresponds with the menstrual cycle or if there are other signs of excess androgens such has facial/body hair. I get pimples all over my face not just my chin and jawline and it happens at anytime during my cycle. i also don't have excess facial or body hair. I do have really oily skin though. I wonder if spiro would work for me.

I wanted to add this message I received from a member and my response, because if they wondered I figure one of you may have wondered. I plan to take pictures of the bottle of Spironolactone I get from [Removed], and of both side on the 100mg pill, just so you have a reference. I will post again once I've put these in my gallery.

Quote

Hey. I don't have insurance and am looking to get Spiro. I checked out the website you gave, and it's a good deal, but every other word is misspelled, which worries me. You've got the meds. Are they working? Are they legit? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.

Crystallynn said:

I wanted to add this message I received from a member and my response, because if they wondered I figure one of you may have wondered. I plan to take pictures of the bottle of Spironolactone I get from [Removed], and of both side on the 100mg pill, just so you have a reference. I will post again once I've put these in my gallery.

Quote

Hey. I don't have insurance and am looking to get Spiro. I checked out the website you gave, and it's a good deal, but every other word is misspelled, which worries me. You've got the meds. Are they working? Are they legit? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.

Like I said, Spironolactone, yes indeed is mis-spelled. It is spelled Spirotone on their site. That is how it's spelled on the bottle you will receive as well - which will look like the bottles pharmacists get in their pharmacy, not like the ones you receive coming out of the pharmacy. Under it though it is spelled correctly. Yes, this is Spiro, it is working wonders for me. I'm not sure what thread you read but please keep in mind that from the day you order it is (no matter what) about 2 1/2 weeks to get your order. They even make it clear that if you do not receive your order in 28 days than they will resend your order. It is registered post, so you will have to sign for it at your local PO. Shipping is cheap (5.99 I believe). If you start on 100 mg per day (this is what I did) One 100 pill bottle will last over 3 months (which is awesome). I ended up buying another bottle 3 weeks after I started so I was SURE I wouldn't run out. Each bottle I've recieved doesn't expire until 2009.

I got one large zit in 3 weeks (sorry to be grapic), before spiro I was getting 1-2 four days per week (with maybe if I was lucky, a week grace period of no new zits) I also didn't have a smooth feel to my face, instead clogged pores and black and white heads below the surface constantly. Along with one un-dieing cyst on my neck per month - I didn't look as ugly as this sounds but it was untolerable and just kept getting worse. I'm in my 4th month now and still on my first 100 pill bottle. I buy Spiro from no other place than Freedom Pharmacy, and I'm very happy with my results so far, and I will not discontinue using it no matter what - my skin has changed dramatically. Truthfully my skin looks and feels amazing and I'm not going to let one zit bother me. It does take time for spiro to work. I didn't notice these results over night, it's one month at a time. First it was no cysts each month, then smoother skin and fewer pimples, then very smooth skin and now hardly a pimple. I do not use harsh methods to care for my skin either, I moisturize and spot treat only when needed - my skin care regimine is in my signature on posts. I hope this helps. And best wishes.

I have just added 3 pictures to my gallery of the Bottle (2 sides) and actual pill (both sides) of Spironolactone I receive from [Removed] just for reference to those whom may be curious about ordering from them and what you should expect to receive. This bottle was purchased in February 2007. The mods still need to approve the images... I hope this is helpful.

P.S. I'm am also curious about comparision of this 100mg pill to those of you who are prescribed them by your doctor, whether brand or generic, your imput might stand helpful to others. Thanks!

hello, i have been an off and on member of this site.

i'll spare you the long story of my acne, but let's just say i've battled it for longer than i haven't. i'm 27 and it's hormonal.

yasmin helped me a lot - my skin looked gorgeous - but there were other side effects i couldn't deal with.

i'm considering spiro but the idea of messing w/ my hormones yet again is still kinda iffy to me. i realize that seems crazy, when the acne is hormonal, but i guess i'm afraid of making things worse instead of better, or replacing one problem (acne) with others (like fatigue or messed up electrolytes.)

i've also read that spiro is a carcinogen - has anyone else heard this?

i took the time to read at least half of all the posts in this whole thread, but of course i still have questions about side effects.

i am currently using retin-a and i've just started saw palmetto, which seems to be an anti-androgen as well ... mostly the whole cancer-causing thing is keeping me off spiro at this point.

hello, i have been an off and on member of this site.

 

i'll spare you the long story of my acne, but let's just say i've battled it for longer than i haven't. i'm 27 and it's hormonal.

 

yasmin helped me a lot - my skin looked gorgeous - but there were other side effects i couldn't deal with.

 

i'm considering spiro but the idea of messing w/ my hormones yet again is still kinda iffy to me. i realize that seems crazy, when the acne is hormonal, but i guess i'm afraid of making things worse instead of better, or replacing one problem (acne) with others (like fatigue or messed up electrolytes.)

 

i've also read that spiro is a carcinogen - has anyone else heard this?

 

i took the time to read at least half of all the posts in this whole thread, but of course i still have questions about side effects.

 

i am currently using retin-a and i've just started saw palmetto, which seems to be an anti-androgen as well ... mostly the whole cancer-causing thing is keeping me off spiro at this point.

hello, i have been an off and on member of this site.

 

i'll spare you the long story of my acne, but let's just say i've battled it for longer than i haven't. i'm 27 and it's hormonal.

 

yasmin helped me a lot - my skin looked gorgeous - but there were other side effects i couldn't deal with.

 

i'm considering spiro but the idea of messing w/ my hormones yet again is still kinda iffy to me. i realize that seems crazy, when the acne is hormonal, but i guess i'm afraid of making things worse instead of better, or replacing one problem (acne) with others (like fatigue or messed up electrolytes.)

 

i've also read that spiro is a carcinogen - has anyone else heard this?

 

i took the time to read at least half of all the posts in this whole thread, but of course i still have questions about side effects.

 

i am currently using retin-a and i've just started saw palmetto, which seems to be an anti-androgen as well ... mostly the whole cancer-causing thing is keeping me off spiro at this point.

Yes, it's true, spironolactone is a known tumorigen, or tumor causing agent, in rats. It is scary, I know, but like Boston50 stated every drug has side effects, even herbals....they might be natural but they are not innocuous. Because they are not regulated by the FDA (yet) we have less info on them but that doesn't mean they can't be dangerous if taken inappropriately. Proceed with caution and see a naturopath (ND) if possible...they are the experts. If you want to research more about spironolactone and the studies that linked it to cancer in rats, look up the drug on wikipedia. They give a short discussion on the topic and list references....rxlist.com has more extensive data on this if you are interested. Go to rxlist.com, search for spironolactone, and go to the "Warnings and Precautions" section. If it makes you feel any better, the rats were dosed anywhere from 10mg/kg/day-150mg/kg/day. Most of us that take it for acne take approximately 1-2mg/kg/day. Toxicity is dose-dependent. Even carrots can be toxic if taken in large quantities. Good luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress.

well, i made a post on here earlier in the week, but it looks as if it was deleted...hmmmmm

 

I have been on Spiro since April with wonderful results. I am taking 150 mg a day and have had no significant breakouts since I have been on it. I rarely get a teeny tiny little one here or there, but they usually clear up w/in 24 hours. How many milligrams is everyone taking?