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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January 25, 2008

Pros:

significant oil reduction since i started to use spiro.

Cons:

irregular period...spotting.

ok, so since i started to use spiro, this will be week 3, i have noticed significant oil reduction and less cycstic acne. i had an initial outbreak just after one week, which was really horrible, but i kept my cool and stayed with the program. my face is starting to clear up nicely, with the exception of a few lingering cycstic ones. also, i've noticed blothces on the skin of my arms and abdomen area, i will see my derm on monday about this. if anyone has pics, please post them if you are able to. i would love to see the progress that anyone has made so far.
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January 24, 2008

Pros:

I never found out...

Cons:

Incredibly itchy breasts and nipples. To the point where I would put calamine lotion on them and ice my chest at night. I am not normally one who is overly sensitive to medicines, either.

After my reaction that I didn't initially attribute to the medicine, I did more research on spiro. It is a drug (in a higher dose) that is also used for people who are trying to change genders (grow breasts). My doctor also encouraged me to practice abstinence or be on the pill. When asked why he said the medicine can cause a male fetus to take on female characteristics. I wanted to try to stay on it because the doctor seemed certain it would work for me. But he also said it would take about four weeks to kick in and that is when I got the soreness and incessant itchiness.
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January 23, 2008

Pros:

*Clearer Skin
*Oil reduction

Cons:

*Weight gain

I've been using Spironolactone for 2 weeks this Friday and my face is already a lot clearer. I've had acne since I was 11 or 12 and I'm almost 19, and literally, nothing has worked. I've gone to the derm. time & time again, and after some research, found Spironolactone online and got on it. The past few days though, I feel like I've had a weight gain and I'm not eating much at all; nothing more than usual. So I don't know if it's from this or changing birth control, which i'm in the process of as well. But it works very well for my acne; so far at least!
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January 22, 2008

Pros:

no more oily skin, smaller pores, no more breakouts

Cons:

makes you pee alot

I have had acne since I was 11. I have tried everything including accutane. once i was off accutane about 1 year and i would get more breakouts. About a year ago i started getting cysts and went to my gyno she put me on 100mg twice a day and lo estrin. This has worked miracles on my skin. I have been on this for a year now and I have not had a breakout in about 6 months. I also use differin gel. Its consistent and your skin is practically flawless. Dont give up this might be the answer for you too.
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January 18, 2008

Pros:

It is the only thing that really gets rid of my cystic acne.

I'm prescribed 50mg. 2x a day. I found that if I take it once at night that seems to do it for me. If I miss a night though, I usually have a breakout in a day or so. It's so nice to know that I have control over it now. I also use Tazorac at night, my skin looks great!
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January 18, 2008

Pros:

The oiliness and number of blemishes has decreased.

Cons:

I am still having the cystic breakouts but the numbers have decreased.

I am 37 years old and suddenly started having severe breakouts on my cheeks and jawline about 7 months ago. It was so strange because it was like I would develop identical zits on each side of my face. First I thought I must be have a reaction to make-up or sunscreen so I through everything out and started fresh. Then I tried to treat myself with OTC products. Nothing worked. I finally went to a PA who works for a dermatologist and she prescribed my Spiro. I started Spiro about 6 weeks ago. My initial dose was 25mg am and pm. I was later bumped up to 50mg am and pm. I was not happy with the initial results so I requested a dose increase. I am now on 100 mg am and pm. I know I need to remain patient, but like many of you I have developed a lot of anxiety and even depression over the condition of my skin. I am praying this works.
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January 17, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin, not oily anymore, self confidence restored

Cons:

Weakness, fatigue, got to drink lots of water and I was previously a DIET COKE addict.

This medicine works wonderfully!!! I have purchased all kinds of expensive over the counter products over the years and nothing gave me significant improvement. I have been taking Spironolactone for 6 weeks now, 50mg/ day for the 3o days, then 100mg/day. The first couple of weeks were rough. My acne seemed to be getting worse, but in reality it was bringing everything to the surface at once and clearing up from the inside out. I have experienced a good bit of fatigue and muscle weakness, but this is getting better. I am so glad I took that trip to the dermatologists office. For those who are not there yet, keep the faith, you will get there.
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January 16, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up acne; Less oil production

Cons:

Skin feels a bit drier, but it's not too bad

I've had acne since I was 12; I am now 25. I tried several regimens and prescriptions through high school, but never really stuck with anything. After numerous attempts with over-the-counter products, I finally went to the dermatologist. He recommended 50 mg of Spironolactone a day. I noticed a slight improvement with breakouts and less oil production. After 2 months I requested a higher dose. He put me on 100mg a day, which I've now been taking for about 4 months. I noticed a big improvement with the higher dose. I haven't had any major breakouts, just a few random pimples which clear up immediately. I haven't really felt any of the side effects; I just drink a lot more water. I've missed one or two doses, but haven't broken out. I went to the dermatologist last week and asked if there was any product I could use to help with the redness, scarring, and texture of my skin now that the acne is gone. He prescribed Differin cream. I haven't started it yet, but hopefully it will hel
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January 16, 2008

Pros:

My acne is almost completely gone.

Cons:

TAKES A REALLY LONG TIME TO WORK. 4-5 MONTHS! I also had terribly bad initial breakouts for almost 3 months.

I have used every possible combination of acne treatment available. Last year I tried smooth beam laser which made me scar and get a LOT of dark spots, I do not recommend that treatment at all. Spiro is the only thing that works. I have had consistent acne since highschool, I am now 23 and finally have clear skin. I take 100 mg a day plus 25 from my birth control. I wash with Neutrogena oil free cream cleanser and use differin .3 at night. This combination is amazing. My skin is smooth and I never get those under the skin hard cysts anymore. For those who have only been on this med for a short time, don't give up! I can't tell you how many times I have called my mom crying, complaining about my skin and how many times she told me to "stick it out". Stay on this medicine, it takes a long time to work but is worth the wait! Also don't get discouraged if your skin gets worse initially, mine got horrible and I almost gave up, then a month later I woke up with clear skin.
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January 15, 2008

Pros:

This stuff works! After 20 yars of questionable and sometimes down right horrible skin. I am clear! I am 43 and even makeup optional! 200mg/day. Water weight is a thing of the past. Skin is not oily any more and I have no more social panic attacks.

Cons:

I still need topical help occasionally, but it clears almost ovenight. Dizzyiness on start up was scarry and severe with me. Lots of water corrected this. I have no dizziness at all any more. Wine and spiro don't mix well, espeespecially on start up

Listen to your body once you start taking this! If you need to: Don't get up too quickly, drink water, no wine, careful of salt etc.. I almost stopped because of start up side effects that I no longer have at all!!! This has been a wonder drug for me. I highly recommend this if you are suffering, especially if your'e experiencing a form of adult on set acne. It is almost always cystic, painful and impossible to treat without medical help!!!! This is hormonal help and balance at it's best. You may still need topical help now and again and be prepared to change your skin routine because you will not be oily, or even an oily dry mix. You just could experience normal skin for the first time! Imagine that! And by the way, a glass of wine at dinner is now tolerated quite normally. Bottom line: I research every drug I've ever taken. I know it's molecular structure and time it takes to leave my body. For me it's a safer bet than accutane and antiboitics ever could be.
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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:

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