Antiandrogen
Reviews
4.1
1330 Reviews
Antiandrogen
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Antiandrogen
Side Effects
High
Antiandrogen
Acne.org’s Real World Take
“Spiro” has been shown to work in a real and noticeable way most of the time. However, messing with hormones is messing with hormones and it’s best to proceed with caution.
Antiandrogen
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
51%
4
28%
3
10.1%
2
4.9%
1
6.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 18, 2011

Pros:

no more blackheads
no more cystic acne

Cons:

got my period immediately after starting it
some dryness

I've been on spiro for about 4 months now, and so far it has been a miracle cure. I've had cystic acne (particularly on my chin and jaw) for about 7 years and NOTHING worked. Spiro made my acne much worse at first, but it's now almost completely cleared up. I don't think there's been a day since I was 16 that every pore on my nose didn't have a blackhead...until now! I know some people have terrible side effects, so be wary...but I've experienced none of them, so this might work for you too :-)
September 5, 2008

Pros:

Didnt give it a chance

Cons:

I had severe side effects

I felt like I was going to die! I was feeling very week, unenergized, tired, sick to my stomach, headaches, bloating, early menstral bleeding, muscle aches, dizziness, you name it. I felt horrible. My derm just put me on Bactrim. So well see if that works for me, and I dont have the scary side effects. Any feedback on Bactrim?
January 4, 2008
anyone on a combo of spirono (50mg twice daily), rozac wash and Metrogel? Started 3 weeks ago with a little improvement, but now am having trouble. I also take Yasmin for PCOS.
December 22, 2007

Pros:

i have noticed drier skin and my chin flakes now every day.

Cons:

Haven't noticed an improvement. I have been on it for 3 weeks and I'd say things have only gotten worse.

I am open to giving it more time, but after 3 weeks, I can say I don't feel it's working.
October 24, 2007
SHOOOT ME! I have been using this now for about 5 months and I am on 100mg a day. It seems to have been working fine until the last few weeks. I now have cysts and pimples all long my mouth and jaw line. I called my derm about a week or so ago and they said that sometimes it happens, but now I am really annoyed because I spend a lot of money on this and I am getting new pimples everyday.
April 12, 2011

Pros:

Cleared hormonal acne
Smoother, Fresher looking complextion

Cons:

Intial breakout
Some stomach pains

This was prescribed to me and I was extremely skeptical. I have never taken any oral acne medication, and topicals I've tried in the pats didn't work. So I was pretty desperate. The first week I broke out like crazy and almost stopped taking it. I was so fed up with the whole "it gets worse before it gets better" crap. But I gave it a chance anyway, and I'm so grateful I did. I'm only 18 so the whole teenage, hormonal zit phase isn't over =p However, this keeps me under control and so far so good. I'm very, very, very happy with the results and hopefully it continues throughout these next few months. My only advice is if you try it, don't give up on it too fast! It takes time but in the end it's well worth it! =)
May 2, 2009

Pros:

easy to take, doesn't cause weird skin changes (like rashes, redness, flakiness, which i got with differin, benzoyl peroxide)

Cons:

i'm kind of concerned about the long-term effects and how long i can take it for/ what will happen if i stop taking it...as for side effects, i do notice that i am urinating more frequently but i don't have any problems with needing to go at night

I'm taking 50 mg a day, I'm 23 and have had acne for 10+ years, I'm also taking BCP and using Duac. This medication is amazing (or maybe it's the combination of sprionolactone with duac?). I was given the prescription 4 days ago and i have not gotten a large pimple since then (I have gotten a couple very small whiteheads that disappear after a day or so). Further, I forgot to wash my face one night (and my makeup/ dirt/ oil from the day was still on my face), and this usually means a bad break out, but I haven't! I do feel slightly more winded/ tired, but nothing unusual. I can still do light exercise (walking, bike riding) without any problems. My only concerns are about long-term use/ dependency, and how it might affect my kidneys, although my derm told me that there are no serious effects, especially since my dose is so small (50 mg)...
August 19, 2007

Pros:

Gotten rid of oil

Cons:

none

What kind of face wash are people using to get such great results? I've been on for almost 3 months and I have not seen a great improvement but I keep switching my face wash.
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?
August 18, 2008

Pros:

didn't try it for long- I researched the medicine and it said that it can cause tumors & cancer

has anyone else heard this? my doctor never metioned it.

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.

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.