Spironolactone
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Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present...

Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present in both males and females that lead to more acne, and spironolactone helps reduce androgens.

It is usually taken once or twice a day, around the same time(s), preferably with a meal.

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5
52.1%
4
28.5%
3
9.8%
2
4.6%
1
5.1%

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April 4, 2008

Pros:

My hair is not oily anymore, my skin is starting to clear, i have lost some weight

Cons:

I had a HORRIBLE breakout at the beginning and i am just now getting over that. My fave hurt so bad from all the acne. i had it on my arms, stomach, and chest. My mouth is constantly dry and i always feel like i need to be drinking something.

It seems to be working, im just hoping it will be the miracle drug for my skin. i have even taken accutane (for about a year) before and it worked while i was on it but not very long after. If you can get past the thirsty part of it i think it will be great!
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

so far none yet...

Cons:

Mouth is very dry and skin is breaking out Horribly!

I have been on this for about 2=3 weeks. My skin looks horrible! i, just like most of you, dont even want to go out of the house! and it hurts... my face actually hurts from all the acne on it! im just hoping that its just bringing it to the surface and it will all be over soon...
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

Given enough time (6-7 months), my body adjusted well to this medicine and has eliminated my cystic acne of 9 years.

Cons:

Initial side-effects can be intimidiating - thirst, frequent urination, irregular cycles. I found most were temporary.

Here's my story: Month 1: Gradually increased from 50 to 100 mg/day over 2 weeks and experienced the side effects and noticed ONLY that my face was less shiny, no noticeable decrease in acne. Checked potassium levels, no significant increase. Months 2-3: Increased from 100 to 200mg/day - lips seemed dry and cheeks got quite dry and I was thirsty often. Side effects diminished after one week. Scalp became far less oily (no need to wash it every day - hooray! - and shedding seemed decreased) acne greatly diminished on face EXCEPT for chin, neck and jawline, where is was almost worse. Had two periods within 1 month. Months 4-5: Side effects diminish, except no period for over 2 months and mild constipation. Acne on neck and jawline virtually gone, but still persistent acne on chin in very small amounts (basically 1 or 2 at a time) Months 6-7: Periods still irregular; taking fiber for regularity, otherwise minimal side-effects. Have had NO ACNE for about a month. Pota
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

Dried up my very oily skin. Hair is no longer greasy. Starting to see improvement in acne.

Cons:

VERY bad initial break out. Caused huge cysts all over my face in weird places I never had acne. Also caused a lot of small little whiteheads around my mouth.

I've been using this for 3 months and my initial break out was so bad my family asked if I was stressing and my friends asked about my face. I had wonderfully clear skin all until I hit age 22 and started getting a cyst every month. It eventually increased to 8-10 cysts a month. I am starting to see results with spiro only after three months, but the first three months were hell for me. Although I am seeing results, my face is still breaking out in huge cysts in unusual places (I usually get them on my jawline and cheek) such as above my mouth, temple, and nose. My doctor has registered me on iPledge to start accutane next month.
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April 3, 2008

Pros:

Works great for my skin.

Cons:

Mild thirst in mornings.

After reading all these reviews I was terrified that this medication would make me react horribly. But surprisingly, I have had no side effects, I don't even urinate more than I usually do! I have tried everything from clean and clear all the way up to antibiotics both topical and internal. I have used Differen, Clindigel, and Glycogen but nothing has worked quite as well as spiro has for me. Normally I will break out really bad right before my period but this time around, only one little zit came up that disappeared in a day or so. I have felt several little cystic ones attempt to come up since but none have become that nasty painful bump on the surface, they just disappear! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a milder solution than accutain as i was. It works very well. Good luck everyone. I hope this helps. And sorry i do not know how much it costs because my mom paid for it for me.
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April 2, 2008

Pros:

At 40 some years old, my face feels like it was when I was a child--smooth and nice. I have scars, though. I have had problems since age 13 and only now feel as if I have found the solution. Much less oil. No zits.

Cons:

Only a little bit of headache and dizziness the first two weeks, but none now after my body has adjusted. Stick with it. Drink lots of water, especially at first.

It is worth asking for. My dermatologist wanted me to try Accutane (I don't have bad acne, just extremely oily skin.) My teenage daugher is taking Accutane now and it is such a hassle with the HCG and other blood tests she has to go through each month. I asked him if he would prescribe spiro for me, and he said "sure." I can't believe it is working so well. Wish I had known about this years go. It would have saved me a lot of heartache and embarrassment.
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April 1, 2008

Pros:

Clears up acne faster and better than anything else I've tried!!!

Cons:

Haven't noticed any although I hear slight to moderate dehydration and dizziness are the common ones.

As with most everyone else that has posted, I tried everything (other than Accutane) prior to trying this medication. It has been just over a month and I am really starting to see a difference now! My doctor said she has never had the medication fail and the absolute longest it took for any patient to see results was ~6 months... she said average is ~3 months. Now to figure out what to do about the scarring...
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March 31, 2008

Pros:

cheap and works!

Cons:

I never experienced any negative side effects. I certainly didn't notice any less facial hair.

I will continue taking it! I has worked better for me than all the anti-biotics, topicals and even the accutane.
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March 27, 2008

Pros:

o side effects at all and very affordable

Cons:

only been taking 1 week and like so many others breaking out more than used to

Thanks for all of the reviews! I am a 46 year old female (yes, how pathetic!!!) Was on accutane appx. 7 years ago - worked wonders / began to break out again and was given accutane again but only for two months (not sure why - had no problems) Anyway - different dr. sugested spiro and hopefully will work - only taking 50mg/day. i am breaking out quite a bit now but will keep on truckin!!!! Good luck to everyone!!!!!
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March 23, 2008

Pros:

Takes 2 months to even begin to start working and during that time terrible breakouts. Stick it out.
weight loss

Cons:

The side effects are nothing compared to the other acne medications. There's slight dehydration and dizziness but that's about it.

It's not "Jesus Christ" that has cleared your skin, you know, it's a MEDICATION developed by SCIENTISTS. You know, do to with Science, the arch enemy of Religion. Haha, delusion is funny.
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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.
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