Minocycline
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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.

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14.3%

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December 23, 2011

Pros:

-less pimples

Cons:

-dizzy/loopy feeling

I had super clear skin up until beginning of freshman year. I started getting some closed comedones (the flesh colored ones) with maybe 2-3 whiteheads. My acne got a lot worse later on during the year, but only on my forehead. I finally went to my derm during the spring & went on this antibiotic. It definitely started reducing the amount of pimples and by summer time I was only left with some PIH marks. I also don't remember having any side effects. I stopped using the antibiotic after about 3-4 months. I was pretty clear all through the summer. Immediately when school started back up again I broke out with pimples on one of my cheeks where I never got pimples... I'm back on Minocyclin again, but this time with adapalene 1% (differin?). The antibiotic seems to be working again... but I'm still getting pimples. (There's always at least 2 on my face) & recently I've been feeling a little dizzy after taking this pill. Although I still recommend it! (ACNE SUCKS!!!!)
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December 18, 2011

Pros:

It actually works. Reduces size and severity of breakouts. No problems with side effects.

Cons:

It's a little bit more expensive than the other oral antibiotics.

I have used this for years. It isn't just an antibiotic. It is also anti-inflammatory. Using 100mg twice a day. Works even better if paired with dapsone/Aczone.
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December 15, 2011

Pros:

Powerful stuff. It knocked out my acne within a month.

Cons:

It is a temporary fix. It didn't cure the acne.
My derm seemed worried about keeping me on this stuff for a long time.

Powerful alternative to doxy.
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December 5, 2011

Pros:

Completely cleared my skin up
Didn't have to change my diet
Didn't dry my skin up

Cons:

Took about 3 months to see results
Can't be taken for more then 5 years

This medication is AMAZING! I never had cystic acne, but got probably around 4 or 5 obvious pimples on my forehead, and then a few on both cheeks. I also had whiteheads that I could not seem to get rid of. I went on this medication at 15 and was told by my doctor at 20 that I couldn't be on it any longer, because there can be some more severe side effects. After consistently having no pimples for 5 years and coming off this medication, I have already started getting pimples and whiteheads again. Not sure how it would work if you have severe acne, but if you have light or mild acne then I highly recommend it. Be prepared for it to come back not long after you stop taking the tablets.
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November 22, 2011

Pros:

Gets rid of pimples pretty fast but doesnt completely stop break outs.

Cons:

Doesnt really help with scars and hyperpigmentation

So I started using this product now for about a month and I am 16, it has been working alot! Ive been using it with perscribed benzoyl peroxide gel 10%. I had the acne that hurt to stretch your face because they were literally everywhere. I had pimples all over my chin i can probably say about 10 painful ones just on the chin. After only 5 days all the facial pain went away and the pimples reduced to small bumps. Then after a week all my pimples were sort of gone. I still break out though but much less, like right now i probably have 4 noticible pimples. BUT this product did nothing with my scars, so it still looks like I have multiple pimples everywhere but i dont just marks, I will review this product in another month though to tell how the scars are doing :] also.. i found out that consuming anything especially dairy hours before and after this product isnt recomended so i need to start waching out for that as well
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October 27, 2011

Pros:

Prevents Breakouts

Cons:

Expensive if you don't have insurance
Hard to schedule diet around

I was prescribed Minocycline 100mg once a day to use with Retin-A .05%. I was very hesitant to start taking this medication at first because of all of the negative reviews on this website that referenced side-effects. I also didn't want to take this medication because it made me feel worse about my acne, that i had passed a certain point and was no longer controllable. However, taking this medication was probably one of the best decisions i've made for my acne. The first couple weeks i saw small improvements; smaller cysts and breakouts not lasting long. After about a month my breakouts slowed considerably. Now four months in i break out maybe once a week, very minimally. This medication definitely helped my skin to heal from the consistent breakouts i faced in my freshman year of college. I take this medication around the same time each day, and use it with Retin A .05% and Cetaphil. Cetaphil is a perfect face wash to use with retin a as its very gentle, and Minocycline helps to minimize breakouts so my hyper pigmentation could begin to fade. All in all i highly recommend this medication. I've never felt nauseous or sick, or suffered any side-effects with this medication. Just make sure you drink a full glass of water when taking it. Also for guys, its a little tough taking this medication while trying to bulk up because you really aren't supposed to eat within a three hour window. And its effectiveness is limited if its ingested with calcium, so milk is out of the question two hours before and after taking this pill. Finally, as far as drinking alcohol while on this medication. My pharmacist said its alright to drink, just not in excess. Being in college this was a little difficult to fathom, but as for me, i'll go out on the weekends and drink and not have any problems as far as its reaction with the medication. Keep in mind though it might help to make you get drunk a little faster, thats all though. Good Luck
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September 22, 2011

Pros:

Fewer pimples that are A LOT smaller and less painful

Cons:

Had extremely bad period cramps a couple days after I started taking it

My doctor prescribed me this two months ago to use with a 0.05% tretinoin cream. My acne has cleared up a lot! It took a while, but I am finally seeing results. I have a couple pimples right now, but they are dried up and fading more each day. I mostly have a lot of red spots where there were pimples before. The thing I love about this is that the pimples that I do get are small and not super painful like before! They go away a lot faster! I think the only side effect that I had (and I'm not even positive it was because of the medication) was extremely, extremely bad menstrual cramps a few days after I started taking it. I've always had very, very bad cramps, but these were so bad that I almost fainted and could hardly breathe. I was throwing up and sweating and shaking, and my skin turned gray until the pain went away. It was terrible, but I haven't had them like that since then, so I'm glad!! I would definitely recommend this! It has helped me so much!!
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September 18, 2011

Pros:

I used to get painful red pimples but this medication has helped reduce swelling and I can touch my face anywhere without pain! (when I wash my face)
My skin is starting to clear up and my acne scars are becoming lighter
Less breakouts

Cons:

feeling of sea sickness
diarrhoea
troubles sleeping? I have been having a lot of odd dreams since taking this medication
NOTE: I only started feeling the sickness yesterday, I was fine for two weeks, so it could just be the flu!

I have been on this medication for 2 weeks now, my acne is improving but it is improving slowly. Just yesterday I started to feel sick, I had diarrhoea but in solid form? I went to the washroom around 6 times, each of which letting out big logs which is way over my average of bowel movements, followed by one this morning. On top of that I felt a kind of sea sickness and actually ended up vomiting at night. Im going to keep taking it to see what happens, if these symptoms keep occurring I will stop. I am taking 200mg a day. SO overall it works, but has crappy side effects (pun intended) :) There is nothing wrong with trying out something different so go ahead and take minocycline and see if it works for you!
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August 26, 2011

Pros:

i don't break out anymore
noticed skin is more even

Cons:

- doesn't stop chin acne aka hormonal spots
- first few days i experienced a little bit of itching
-my stomach hurts real bad sometimes and i have diarrhea
- slight tooth discoloration

this does help skin feel less greasy and i get no more breakouts except the week before my TOM (time of month ) the itching wasn't that serious it was something that i just noticed when i started and it was a little annoying but lately i'm getting soooooooo much cramping and my derm said that it was normal and it was my body flushing out all the bacteria and she warned me about the diarrhea :/ but i hate my teeth alot right now so i'm brushing them like 4 times a day to get them whiter again soo thats really annoying so bottom line the less breakouts i have the happier i am so i like this antibiotic
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August 23, 2011

Pros:

-Clears up acne.
-Cheap.

Cons:

-Took about 5 weeks to go from moderately severe acne to light acne.
-Started to feel tired and lazy.
-Sensitivity to sunlight.

I've been on Minocycline for about 7 weeks, and I am very pleased with my results. I had moderately severe acne that I was so self-conscious about. I now have light acne. It took about 5 weeks, though, to see these results. I'm sure my acne will be completely gone within the next couple weeks as I continue to use this product. I definitely recommend it! Enjoy :)
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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.
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