RG001

Hey a91, hows it going for you? Have just updated post week 8. The outbreak at week 6 did feel like a set back but it wasn't as bad as usual and I seem to have escaped significant side effects. I might consider going up to 100mg if my bloods are OK but I don't know.... and I don't think I would want to go higher than 100mg.

I will update as I go along.

I'm 44 and have suffered from cystic acne on and off for the last 10 years.  I've been on all the different antibiotics but all stop working after around 6 months.  I've also been on all of the topicals. Epiduo being the most effective but still not preventing the cystic acne in the first place.

End of week 1 - 2 x 50mg per day.  My skin is noticeably less oily. No new acne, existing acne little difference, some small acne which was already under the skin coming up but no more than usual.  Days 5-7 terrible terrible diarrhea.  I have had to reduce to 2 x 25mg per day as I have been unable to leave the house and am in the bathroom every other hour including throughout the night.  No other side affects.  Am hoping the reduction in dosage will make it more tolerable.

End of week 2 - reducing the dosage thankfully sorted the diarrhea problem!  Since dropping from 100 to 50mg per day I have noticed a slight increase in oil in my skin again, and the acne which was already under the skin is still coming out. I have a few new ones, but its the week before my period so its hard to tell if this would have happened anyway - at the minute I wouldn't say I have had a Spiro related outbreak.  

End of week 3 - increased dosage to 75mg per day due to oil increase when dropped from 100 to 50.  Seem to be able to cope with this, with occasional but controllable bowel issues (tmi!). Skin looks good.  No new breakouts so far. No weight loss.  Boobs same size.  Potentially a little bit of weight gain but hard to tell as we are all housebound due to COVID19 lockdown so not getting any exercise.  We will see.  No emotional changes.

End of week 4 - still on 75mg, stomach issues under control. Skin generally quite good though have had a couple of new cystics.  No weight loss.  Boobs tender but same size, very minor weight gain but could be to do with social isolation. No emotional changes. All in all pleased with results so far.  Certainly not "clear" yet but seems to be making a difference, skin definitely less oily and its good not to be on antibiotics having been on them for years.  Unless anything drastic changes I will report back after month 2.

End of week 8 - very much the same as week 4. No further stomach issues, skin is generally good - I had an outbreak of 3 cystics on my jawline around week 6 which I was a bit disheartened about as it was the first real set back, but they didn't seem to last as long as normal, they are now pretty much gone with some minor colouration all that is left. They weren't as painful or as "angry" as usual so I'm seeing this as a good sign.  Boobs still tender, have gained a few pounds but have also eaten a lot of cakes.  I know that 3 months is when most people see the most benefits so I'm holding on in there.  Am due the results of my first set of bloods next week so I will update again then. No problems with periods or mood swings etc. Am hoping the weight gain is more about the cakes than the pills.