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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February 27, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my face

Cons:

none

I have had problem skin for 30 years now. I am 43 and it was getting worse. I have tried everything out there, way to much money spent on hope. I was reading up on medications for hormonal acne, or adult acne, before seeing my OB/GYN. I found Spironolactone. I read up on it for two days before asking my doctor. I am on 25 mg twice a day and have been on it for two weeks. I am one happy camper. There is hope. Good luck to all.
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February 23, 2007

Pros:

Absolutely cleared up acne I began getting after turning 25. I'm a little worried about what will happen when I have to get off of it to get pregnant but for now, works wonders!

Cons:

Gained 5 pounds - made me crave salty food like crazy.

It cleared up my acne, my skin is absolutely beautiful and rid me of terrible migraines. Just upset I can't be on it when pregnant, that'll be a tough journey. Anyone know how long you have to be off of it before trying to get pregnant??
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February 7, 2007

Pros:

Cured cystic acne completely

Cons:

loss of sexual desire

Because of the severity of the acne I will still take it even though I no longer have a healthy sex drive. It sucks but I cannot go back to how my skin was before.
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February 6, 2007

Pros:

Inexpensive, side effects not too bad

Cons:

Hasn't helped much yet, but I am on a low dose so far.

I am so hopeful about this stuff...but I have yet to see one tiny sign of improvement. I'm only on 25 mg. Most of the postings I've seen show improvement after 50-100 mg. I'll be patient and see how it goes.
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January 27, 2007

Pros:

is clearing up my face quite nicely, my hair is much less oily too!! the body hair grows more slowly and lighter too.

Cons:

i feel lethargic and with very low energy, i hope it will go away as my body gets accustomed to the drug.

Highly recommend it for adult/hormonal acne over Accutane and Diane 35/Androcur. Try it before the others drugs. Studies show it is pretty safe in terms of side effects.
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January 27, 2007
I have only been on spiro (100mg a day) for about 10 days so I am not sure the pro's. My skin has broken out way worse than before I started the med. I read so many good things about this medicine. Did anyone else have this same problem? If so, how long did it take to start working?
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January 24, 2007

Pros:

It works! I have been using this for over 2 months and for the last month ahve had NO new breakouts - a record for me.

Cons:

Initially I got a little light-headed and tired but ti went away after the first week of starting or upping my dose. Skin is drier.

I hope this never stops working, it ahs been my saviour.
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January 21, 2007

Pros:

It works!

Cons:

None

I'm 36 years old and I first started having acne when I was a child. I took Accutane and tried most all antibiotics. Nothing worked. Spiro is the ONLY medication that works for me. I have been taking it for 5 1/2 years now and I am acne-free. I take 100 mg a day and I have no side effects. I have found it cheaper to buy through an online pharmacy than from my local drugstore. This is the best medication I have ever used.
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January 18, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up skin as well as Accutane within 3 months

Cons:

No side effects as of yet. Only taking 100 mg daily.

I highly recommend this product for acne. I have tried many other products over the past few years that haven't worked. This has worked as well for me as Accutane, but without the side effects. It also decreases the oil in your skin, which itself, helps the texture of your skin and pores. Make sure you are patient though. I didn't see results until after 2 and a half monhts of treatment.
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January 15, 2007

Pros:

No side effects yet

I have been on it for one week in combination with Diane 35(which stopped "working" to contraol my acne after two year) and my acne is worse-anyone else? How long does it take to work?
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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.
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