Minocycline
Results
Side Effects

Minocycline is an oral antibiotic that works by fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation. It should...

Minocycline is an oral antibiotic that works by fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation. It should be used only short term (max. 3 months).

It is usually taken once a day with food, at the same time every day.

 [more]
3.2
1394
5
15.6%
4
29.3%
3
24.9%
2
15.9%
1
14.3%

Used Minocycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
September 21, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my acne for the most part, no more huge flare ups

Cons:

Allergic reaction, broke out in hives

Mino was ok for the first few weeks, made me a bit groggy and foggy headed, but having a clear face after years of battling with acne was worth the trouble. Then all of a sudden yesterday after 3 weeks on the drug, I woke up with hives all over my legs and arms (At least 30-40 on each leg, my hands are sore because of the hives on my knuckles, can't sleep, just dying here). Incredibly itchy, swelling and growing into huge patches. I've stopped taking mino and bought some claritin to help ease the suffering until I can get to my doc. If you're lucky and dodged the bullet, it's a ok solution that works. If you're like me, have some cortisone cream, antihistamine, and cold packs ready because it's is not a pleasant experience.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 14, 2007

Pros:

I've been on and off several different antibiotics (including erythromycin, and topical clindamycin) and for me this one provides noticeably clearer skin in less time than the others without strong side effects.

Cons:

Never really completely cleared my skin... it tended to get it almost there in a few weeks, and then i would break out again just as it seemed as if i would be acne-free. Can produce some mild side-effects. Extremely expensive without insurance.

Definitely worth a shot, especially if other antibiotics have not been as effective as desired. You probably should avoid dairy and zinc while on this medication as well... i've read that Zinc (while recommended to help with acne) can interfere with the absorption of minocycline. It also makes you much more sensitive to the sun. I'm a lifeguard and when i wasn't using enough sunscreen or avoiding the sunlight while on this medication it actually made my acne worse. You just have to be careful when using it, and use it properly for it to be beneficial.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 8, 2007

Pros:

It cleared up my skin.

Cons:

Caused lower abdominal pain, extreme fatigue

Too bad I can't take this stuff. It didn't make me nauseous which is the no. 1 complaint but it sent my body completely out of wack! I seriously thought I had liver disease or something then I'm like duh! it's the pills. No more Minocycline for this girl!
This Was Helpful

Report
September 1, 2007

Pros:

It does help control your acne, i've had no side affects what so ever and I have been on it for over a year.

Cons:

it helps control but I find it doesn't clear it up completely. it is perfect for those suffering from a light acne problem, but those with worse acne should try something stronger.

all these negative side affects stated above are not true. sure it may happen to a chosen few, but the same goes for ANY other drugs. i've been on many MANY acne medications and i have never had a problem. Minocycline works well but if you have a lot of acne i would recommend something stronger. i felt it worked good in the beginning but after a while it starts to not work as well.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 30, 2007

Pros:

I've taken this for 7 months now. Never suffered from any side effects, and my acne has completely disappeared.

Cons:

No Cons at all.

Use it!
This Was Helpful

Report
August 23, 2007

Pros:

Really helped to clear up mild-modertae acne within 1 month. Began working within 2 weeks and is quite effective so far.

Cons:

Never take this pill on an empty stomach, it will make you sick. Occasionally my eyes ache when I am out in the sun.

This drug actually worked for me after I have tried a handful of other antibiotics. Take the pill for 2 weeks regularly and see what happens. I was very skeptical at first because I had tried other antibiotics with no real effect but I believe that this pill is different.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 23, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up infected acne in a matter of weeks.

Cons:

Didn't clear up my face as a whole, but the redness and pus definitely went away.

It's not a miracle worker, but it definitely makes a big difference. My derm made me take a 100mg pill a day for 12 days, and then a 50 mg pill a day for 24 days. I also use Acne aid soap and topic morning and night. Pretty good so far, I have an appointment with my dermatologist this week again.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 19, 2007

Pros:

Got rid of my acne within a month.

Cons:

Heard terrible things about the side effects of Lupus and Arthiritus. IS THAT POSSIBLE??

Clears acne within a month with few immidiate side effects, but not sure if the results later is worth it.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 16, 2007

Pros:

Using Minocycline 100mg/twice daily 2.5 months. In conjunction with Trentin-X every other day, Benzaclin on face once a day, twice daily on shoulders and back. Face cleared 100%, Back and chest is slow to clear.

Cons:

Starting to receive groin rash (flat red) which may be a side effect of Minocycline.

Stops/Slows the production of sebum/oil. Does clear up and prevent acne from forming on the face, however slow to heal body acne.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 13, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up mild acne in a matter of days...

Cons:

Slight feeling of lightheadedness
Apparently taking it for long periods can cause serious side effects

I've been using this for only a few days and my skin's looking good. I take it before bed to avoid the side effects most people say they experience, however I've still noticed I feel a little dizzy/"out of it" sometimes during the day but only slightly. I wouldn't take this for a long period of time as I've read it can cause arthritis and lupus... but it works well and I'm going to continue with it for a few months.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 27 28 29 30 31 … 33
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website