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
August 26, 2012

Pros:

Nothing, it didnt do anything for my acne

Cons:

I was scared that I would end up with a yeast infection! (I dont think I did but I stopped just in case)

Took the drug for about 6 weeks, it didnt do squat for my acne.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 14, 2012

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Became sensitive to the sun and got a sun burn in Winter.

Did not help my acne at all.
Makes you feel drowsy.

Not worth the side effects.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 12, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made acne way worse
Drying
Stupid

So I never really felt self conscious about my acne until my doctor said, have you thought about acne medications? Then I was like hmm maybe I should take some stuff. My acne was veryyyy light before my stupid doctor. Then after the first 3 treatments he gave me didn't work, my doctor gave me this medicine: minocycline. After about a month, my acne had turned to moderately severe. It also gave me these ugly raised bumps around my jaw. I do nottt recomend this. I have been on it for almost 2 and a half months now and it seems to just be getting worse. So basically this sucks. But everyone reacts differently to medicines blah blah blah but yeah.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 5, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Diarrhea

Did nothing at all,had to go on Accutane.
This Was Helpful

Report
August 4, 2012

Pros:

A little less acne

Cons:

-Horrible vaginal drying, bleeding (outter), and yeast infection.
-Extremely tired all the time

Mino was the worse drug I have ever took!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 24, 2012

Pros:

None that I can think of.

Cons:

Headache
Lightheadedness
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Nausea
Plan around meals
Tiredness

I am no longer on this pill because the side effects were really severe. I was so tired throughout the day and when I finally go to sleep I can't fall asleep at all. There was no significant changes in my acne, but then again I only used it for 5 days. I just didn't think the side effects were worth it.
This Was Helpful

Report
July 6, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne quickly (less than 2 weeks)
Effective when compared to other antibiotics, whether they are oral or topical.

Cons:

SIDE EFFECTS!!!:
Blue nails
Blue teeth
Migraines
Stomach discomfort
DO NOT TAKE......unless you want to trade acne for blue teeth/nails (temporary- goes away if you stop taking it) and if you wanna feel like crap (headaches, nausea, laziness, etc....)

I've been wanting to write a review for this product for a while. I've been suffering from moderate acne for about 6 years (I'm 22) and have been through the ups and downs of MANY different products. I've researched extensively and I've seen 6 different dermatologists from 4 different facilities over the last 6 years. If you're a young person with moderate acne/oily skin, 90% of you should listen to me and do this: For starters, use Cetaphil Daily Face Wash 2x a day. Mornings - use either an antibiotic (clindamycin - topical worked great for me for 1 year) or Aczone 30 mins after washing your face. Evening - Tazorac .1% gel (pea sized amount) 30 mins after shower. Wait another 30 mins and apply moisturizer as needed (meaning chin, around mouth, near nose, maybe even upper cheeks), but don't apply to areas that are naturally greasy. Other useful and true tips: Avoid greasy foods, excessive sweets, and cheese. Change your pillow cases 2x a week (minimum). After sweating (working out, sun bathing, etc) shower ASAP. Most importantly, if you live in a sunny region, ENJOY THE SUN. So many derms advise against sun tanning because of skin damage; but trust me, if you have oily skin, the risk of burning, wrinkles, or even permanent scarring is minimal to nonexistent. Derms hate the sun - Why? Because it provides Vit. D, dries the skin, and blends blemishes for FREE!...They can't compete with that. The risks associated with drugs are FAR WORSE than skin damage from the sun. Case and point: Took minocycline and doxycycline on different occasions - both resulted in blue teeth/nails, migraines, and stomach pain. And we all know the numerous detrimental side effects of Isotretinoin/Accutane. Eat healthy, keep your face clean, try topical products first and try to avoid oral rx's like doxycycline and minocycline due to their numerous and harmful side effects (less systemic absorption of rx drugs),
This Was Helpful

Report
June 6, 2012

Pros:

helped keep acne under control while using retin a.

Cons:

yeast infection
vaginal bacterial infection
pH imbalance

i only recommend this for males. i had a yeast and bacterial infections that would NOT go away for months and months. i was on this medication way too long (recommended by my derm) and it completely messed up my system. I'm still having problems and quit taking minocycline months ago. i was going to different doctors every week to fix my problems. i also got h. pylori but i'm not sure if it is related to minocycline use.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 28, 2012

Pros:

Worked the first month

Cons:

Stopped working

I have been on this medication for almost 2 years now and my acne is the worst its ever been. I went to my doctor about 4 months ago and told him it wasn't working so he upped my dosage, and its Still not working. He continues to switch my topical creams around while on the pill. Now my acne is horrible, however its only at my chin not anywhere else. i dont understand it. Its all inflamed and i have a ton of small hard white bumps under my skin that dont do anything. Im not sure what to do next, if anyone has any advice please email me " thecodyrussell@[link removed] " because i feel that what my doctor is having me do is making my skin worst.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 1, 2012

Pros:

None that I experienced.

Cons:

Did not improve my rosacea prone skin at all. Couldn't take dairy for a couple of hours before and after the pills. Was on it for just under 3 months when I started getting intense constant pressure headache that lasted over a week. Was highly concerned it was intracranial hypertension and went to gp in a panic. Was told to come off it and the headache stopped.

Dermatologists are not holistic and only know how to prescribe drugs. My derm upped my daily dosage by 50mg when it didn't work. He was convinced I'd need to be on antibiotics for the rest of my life and that was ok. I followed the instructions correctly and drank lots of water but it didn't work for me. In fact my skin got better when I came off it and started using aloe vera gel, the Thursday Island brand. Amazing results and I mix it with oil free Nutragena for sensitive skin. I also went on Herbalife, the ultimate program, which has an aloe vera tonic, and my skin is clear and glowing - so happy! I am now starting to think that the right nutrients are key. Taking antibiotics is not sustainable in the long term, going natural is the way for me! Good luck everyone, it's a stressful journey to find what works for you.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 2 3 4 5 6 … 16
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