Minocycline
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
January 3, 2013

Pros:

Noticed improvement in my skin in about a week 1/2.

Cons:

The cons that I experienced using Minocycline was extreme itching all over the body after using for about nine days. I broke out in hives on my arms, and face. My hands and feet were swolen and I had lesions on the back of my neck including loss of appetite. These are some of the side affects associated with this drug. I'm currently on a steroid which has helped with the swelling and Allegra for the itching. I hope this helps anyone wondering about side affects. Hopefully Minocycline will

This was my first allergic reaction. See your doctor ASAP if you experience any of the above.
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December 3, 2012

Pros:

Worked the first time I took it.

Cons:

The second time I was prescribed this (maybe 5 years later), it didn't work at all. I was still getting 3-4 cystic outbreaks a week.

For someone taking this medication for the first time it works amazing, but as soon as you stop taking it, or are re-prescribed it probably wont work as it is just an anti-biotic and out bodies get used to the drug and build up resistance. I'm on the hunt for something new.
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August 20, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up most of my acne

Cons:

Was only effective temporarily
Increases chance of yeast infections
Kills Bacteria in stomach- weaker digestion

For me personally, I don't think it's worth it. My skin started to clear up for a month or two, but then broke out shortly afterwards. I may have grown a resistance to it. If you have mild acne it would probably have stronger results. I don't know how much it cost since my parents paid for it.
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June 28, 2012

Pros:

Worked very quickly for me with combo of two topical creams.

Cons:

TERRIBLE YEAST INFECTION! Diflucan seems to be helping clear it up but it has made me life total misery for at least a week now.

I'm still on it and my dermatologist says that I must stay on it for three full months for it to work. If the yeast infection comes back there's no way that I'll stay with it.
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May 22, 2012

Pros:

- No side effects?

Cons:

- No improvement after one and a half months

I was switched to generic minocycline after my insurance would not cover Solodyn (extended release mino). Solodyn, while I took the samples, was a miracle drug. Minocycline has had none of the same effects -- I've been taking it for a month and a half. There is no difference in the persistence or size of my acne. I have not experienced any bad side effects, though. Nothing's changed. But I'm scared that once I just stop taking it, my acne will only get worse.
April 27, 2012

Pros:

-Helped the underground pimples I had along my jaw line
-Easy to take
-Overall complextion began to look better

Cons:

-Developed rash after a month!
-Light dizziness
-You have to avoid the sun
-Take twice a day

I really thought this was going to be it for me and finally finding something to help my acne situation. Unfortunately, I developed a rash-type thing on the back of my hands and up my arms about after a month of use. It just came up out of no where, it was pretty werid. So ofcourse I stopped and it went away after a week. My dermatologist now has me on Clindamycin and Amoxicillin? I was pretty bummed when I had to yet again switch up my treatment....
March 30, 2012

Pros:

Did clear up my skin somewhat
Less expensive than other prescriptions

Cons:

Required progressively higher doses to work
Caused a vaginal yeast infection (my first ever)
Not safe if you become pregnant!!!

Not a long-term solution, since the dose kept needing to be increased and indefinite high doses of antibiotics are incredibly unhealthy. I quit after some months because I started getting yeast infections (yuck!) and digestive side effects (nausea, etc). Also didn't ever clear up my skin completely. Not worth the risks in my book!
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February 2, 2012

Pros:

-Cleared my acne up in a few weeks
-Easy to take

Cons:

-Stop working

Alright, so I was put on this over a year ago and it cleared me up in just a few weeks. I was sooooo happy! But it has since stopped working and it won't work again because the bacteria is resistant to it now.
January 19, 2012

Pros:

Helps acne a bit

Cons:

Headache, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, itching

Helped me a bit, but two weeks after I started it my whole body started itching nonstop, and I felt very tired and I felt some serious anxiety.
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January 12, 2012

Pros:

had clear skin for the first time since i was 12!

Cons:

effects didnt last long, have to limit dairy intake

we have a high insurance deductible that we never meet, so thats why it was so expensive for me. cleared up my skin! NO acne whatsoever, even on half the dose! didnt last long though, after a few months i started breaking out again, so naturally i went back to the prescribed dose of 2 pills a day... it's been a month now with no improvement. also, eating anything rich in calcium 2 hours before and after taking the pill reduces the effectiveness.... thats 8 hours a day that i cant eat milk, cheese,, yogurt etc.
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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.

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.