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.

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

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June 17, 2010

Pros:

Cleared skin mostly, minor minor little red clogged pores (I think they are surfacing though - like clearing themselves out)

Cons:

- Skin doesn't heal that well.
- When I do have a small pimple or I pick at my face (stupid, as it is pretty much clear), the spot won't heal for ages....and leaves marks.
- BLOATING! SO annoying. I think I've gained a tiny bit of weight too but my stomach is huuuuge. My jeans are too tight, it's so annoying.

Cleared skin pretty well but some annoying side effects to take into account.
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May 5, 2010

Pros:

No acne after about 3 days. Some newer mild acne scars faded about 30-50% . made my acne scrubs/washes work much better. Sweating with sports/workout doesn't worsen acne anymore. Shaving and pluckng face hair doesn't promote acne anymore

Cons:

Not immediate results. Acne comes back if you stop. About 5-10% dizzy throughout the day. sometimes tired and upset stomache about 30 minutes after I took a dose for 5 minutes. Sometimes your face starts itching.

Yes take it. It really depends tho if you want to have less acne tho. For me the pros evened out the cons.
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May 2, 2010

Pros:

Worked amazingly well for me for EIGHTEEN MONTHS!!!!

Cons:

Turned my teeth yellow
Stopped working after 18 months

I had severe acne so I was prescribed this when I was 14. It worked so so so so well, I had perfect skin. It stopped working after a long while but it was my fault as I missed weeks at a time without it :( BUT my acne has never returned as severe as it used to be! it turned my teeth slightly yellow but nothing major. This drug is quite potent but I loved it.
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April 29, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up my cystic acne
Affordable
No usual antibiotic side effects

Cons:

Not sure yet...see below.

I'm currently suffering from severe joint pain, chills, headaches, fatigue, neurological changes, and general overall yuckiness. Because I'm 40, I thought I had early arthritis or lyme's disease (we live in the country). The doctor stopped the minocycline and put me on dioxycycline. I instantly felt better. Test results showed that I don't have lyme's or arthritis. Now that I'm back on the minocycline, all the above symptoms have returned. Coincidence? I'm not sure. I'm thinking it's related to the prolonged use of minocycline (one year). I have an appt. soon with an infectious disease doctor. I will post updates.
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April 22, 2010

Pros:

its working for me but slowly definitly no next day perfect skin. my skin is surley alot better then when i started, ive been using it for 5 weeks now and id say my skin is 50% clearer

Cons:

none anymore but at first i couldnt sleep for the life of me

its working my skin is looking alot better im hoping it continues to work i still have a few cystic acne that ive had for a while but its getting alot better im gonna continue and hopefully it will clear everything if not next stop accutane :P...but its worth a try not many side effects and it does work maybe not fast like some people say but if you keep using it, it will definitly help
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April 5, 2010

Pros:

Cleared up my acne immediately. Literally looked in the mirror the next day and was shocked at what I saw.

Cons:

Not a permanent solution. Acne comes back so I have to take it roughly 3 months of every year. Further, you cannot stay on it indefinitely b/c it will accumulate in your cells leaving a purple discoloration. Lastly, like all antibiotics, backup birth control must be used as it may diminish efficacy of oral contraceptives.

Highly recommended.
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March 2, 2010

Pros:

- Significantly reduced my acne
- Helps control flare-ups

Cons:

- Causes my skin to flush easily
- Taking it 2x/day
- Reduces effectiveness of oral birth control pills
- For women- high risk of yeast infections which means you have to stop taking this until infection is treated

Have been taking minocycline for 10 months. Began taking this because my light/moderate acne worsened and I developed moderate and embarrassing (large papules) back and chest acne at age 21. After a year of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid OTC treatments, I went to a dermatologist who put me on this. I began noticing results after 2 months, and by month 5 my back acne reduced to maybe 5 zits a week and face acne was back to light/moderate. Then (at 5 months) I began taking Differin too (avoided it bc without insurance it's expensive!). Now, at 10 months my face has light acne (no big papules any more; still have small bumps a few times a week and blackheads on nose and forehead) and maybe only one or two zits a month on my back. The scarring is starting to clear up a bit too from the Differin. I'm happy with my results and may actually be able to wear tank tops this summer, but my acne has not entirely disappeared. Also, I am tired of taking an antibiotic 2x/day and my face/neck/chest flushing so easily (especially from just one drink at the bar).
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February 27, 2010

Pros:

Does clear huge pimples, slightly reduced oily skin

Cons:

Dizzy, nausea, I THINK it might stop working over time

I used this antibiotic back in late 2007 through 2008. I had moderate acne and this made my skin look amazing, well I still had the scars of course but with make up, it looked like it was almost flawless. Around summer of 2008, I got kind of lazy and use it on and off, and it kind of stopped working to an extent, I believe. I used this with Differin and I loved the results it gave me. I remember getting compliments from people at school on my skin. It did work for me, but only for a while. After I stopped using it permanently, my acne came back with revenge! But there are other personal factors which I believe might have contributed to my horrible break out. Another thing that frightened me about using this, was the scary side effects I remember reading. Haha. Hypochondriacs, beware!
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February 26, 2010

Pros:

cleared up my acne quick

Cons:

i do get a little dizzy and i cant eat when taking it

it worked for me. i would advise you to try it. the cons are nothing compared to the end result
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February 8, 2010

Pros:

I was using clindoxyl gel for 3 months before my doctor prescribed minocycline. When on both it cured my cystic acne after 2 weeks, and since then slowly stopped the occurrence of other blemishes. I have been on both products for just under 2 months now. Although, I still have red marks but that'll take time to heal.

Cons:

I was on 100mg, twice a day, at first. The dose was too much and caused vertigo and loss of apatite. My doctor lightened the load to 50 in the morning (since my symptoms were mainly in the mornings) and 100 at night.

My face hurt from the cystic acne and minocycline got rid of all of it.
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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