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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July 24, 2012

Pros:

Fewer breakouts.
Skin is less oily.
Clears skin up quickly.

Cons:

None

I have been on spiro for 5 months now. My skin is virtually clear for the first time in my life. I do get pimples from time to time, but no serious breakouts. Before this medication I had tried every topical gel, antibiotic, and even accutane. This is the only thing that has cleared my skin after almost 10 years of chronic acne.
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July 18, 2012

Pros:

99% clear after 5 weeks - face, chest, neck back
a lot less oily at end of day
minor side effects
thicker head hair

Cons:

can make dizzy when take in am so take in pm
tender breasts
ongoing

I have tried most things apart from accutane and after about a month on this (50mg at night) had mostly clear skin. Am 29 and would get cysts on cheeks and jaw, upper back and started getting on chest which was horrid. Any recent spots have been small and cleared quickly. Im not prone to scarring or hyperpigmentation so am really happy with how my skin looks w/o makeup. Couldnt actually get my doc to prescribe this solely for acne, but managed to get it by complaining of mild hisutism so you can always try this! Its actually slowed this growth too even on a low dose.
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July 17, 2012

Pros:

Skin and scalp are less oily
Clear skin

Cons:

Frequent urination
Watch intake of potassium

I just wanted to give an updated review. I have been on 100 mg daily for a year now. It took almost 8 months for me to be able to call my skin "clear" Little by little after the first 4 months my skin cleared more and more. It takes patience but it is definitely worth it. "Quick fix" medications don't exist and this is one of the least harmful (side effects) in my opinion.
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July 17, 2012

Pros:

CLEAR skin!
Hair and face no longer an oil slick.
Peace of mind.

Cons:

Slightly dry mouth.
Felt dizzy for first month.

Best thing I ever did was going on this medication!!! I'm 29 and had very severe acne since I was about 12. Through the years I had antibiotics, creams, contraceptive pills and Accutane. Some worked, some didn't. Accutane worked after 2 rounds when I was 18 and my skin got lots better. I continued to take contraceptive pills all through my 20s and I was mostly acne-free. Then I developed a melasma (brown patches on my face probably caused by the hormones in the pills) so I had to come off them (they've mostly faded now). My skin became horrendous after coming off the pill and I've battled with bad skin for about 2yrs now since then. Oily, spotty, gross! All the psychological pain i suffered as a teen came back and i had panic attacks and felt so depressed. Antibiotics didnt help me, neither did a very strict diet of no dairy, wheat, sugar etc. I was never going back on accutane (was such awful side effects) so i investigated online and heard about spironolactone. This medication isn't prescribed for acne in England on the NHS. My GP refused to prescribe it to me. So I had go to a private dermatologist to get it. It was so easy to get it from him and it's actually very cheap. I paid £16 for 2months supply (although it was £200 for the consultation!) But from now in I just have to pay for the prescription. And, honestly, within a couple of weeks Of starting spiro my skin was SO much better. Now all my red scarring is healing and I'm getting no big spots. In the last 2 months I've had just couple of little ones that are really manageable. I LOVE this medication! It's truly given me my life back. I feel like a new person. I stopped exercising because I was so paranoid about people seeing my bad skin and showering at the gym so now I'm working out again and have even lost weight too so I'm really happy. If you struggle with hormonal acne, don't hesitate to try this drug. It's been brilliant for me!
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July 3, 2012

Pros:

Completely cleared acne after 20 years of struggling, less oily skin, no side effects

Cons:

None

I took every pill and every cream you can think of. You name it, I tried it. Nothing ever worked like this drug!! It's been a lifesaver. I am more confident and carefree. I take 100mg daily (with breakfast) and have no side effects. I've never been happier! It took about 2-3 months to see results.
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June 26, 2012

Pros:

Cleared up my backne, nodulocystic facial acne

Cons:

No cons whatsoever for me

I have been on a combination of Spironolactone 100 mg QD for 10 months with Doxycycline 100 mg Q HS and applying Atralin, a retinoid gel and my skin is almost flawless. I just revisited my dermatologist last week and the Doxy was discontinued. I will remain on the Sprironolactone and Atralin. The Atralin is wonderful because it also contains collagen and will not dry your face out as bad as Retin-A. I use a combination of PanOxyl 4% benzoyl peroxide facial wash in the morning and CeraVe foaming facial cleanser at night. I use the Atralin at night with the CeraVe, Using the PanOxyl will cancel the Atralin out if used at the same time. CeraVe AM and PM moisturizers are awesome as well!! I have had the best luck with these products. I have had acne since I was 13 and I just recently turned 30. I had it with my disfiguring acne. I am a nurse and want my patients to take comfort in the care I provide if they see I am taking care of myself. I would recommend Spironolactone to anyone! P.S. My acne was so bad my dermatologist wanted to put me on an Accutane regimen for four months. I declined due to possible side effects and the risk of acne returning after $2500.00 worth of treatment including visits, medications, and blood testing. Research all options before trying a treatment.
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June 24, 2012

Pros:

Helped me get rid of my cystic acne, lost water weight

Cons:

Takes a few days to get used to, peeing a lot, weird heart rate for a few days, low blood pressure

There are defiantly side effects but for me its totally worth it.
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June 20, 2012

Pros:

cleared cystic acne on face and back

Cons:

none

I hardly ever write reviews but had to share my success with this medication, I have had cystic acne since age 14, I am 46, been on every antibiotic, Accutane, prescription topical creams etc.. My Derm prescribed this about 7 months ago, I have never looked this good without the help of antibiotics, I now have drier skin and have not had 1 flair up since after the 3 month mark, this stuff is amazing, the key is to be patient, don't lose hope, I have been through this silly game of acne for way to long and am finally feeling some hope. I use Duac in the AM and Gly derm at night, take 100 MG of Spironolactone once daily. Good luck to you all.
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June 18, 2012

Pros:

- left my skin smooth and clear, no oilyness and cleared up my back

Cons:

- i had a horrible initial breakout
- need to pee constantly

this medication works! i first started using it and my face cleared a little bit, then one month into the medication i had the worst breakout of my entire life. i didnt want to go to work, i didnt want to see anyone. makeup did not cover the horrible breakout. however i stuck it through and now im a little past 3 months and my skin is finally improving so much. all i have is the redness leftover. no actual bumps or pimples or cysts. it also cured me of the acne on my back. i can wear makeup for 8+ hours without reapplying powder from oilyness. it took a long time for this med to work but it WORKED and im so happy i stuck it thru. please be patient it will work for u. btw im 19 yrs old and my acne started at 18 so i thought this med was for older women but it worked for me!!
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June 14, 2012

Pros:

Skin totally clear after 10 years of battling acne.

Cons:

It is a daily pill to remember to take (but I will say I have forgotten it with no consequence) and a diuretic

Takes a while a few months to work its magic but I like this a LOT. I have a lot of scaring but no active zits after using this for a ~8 months and it is a little shocking since I am used to having more zits than I can count. Won't burn like antibiotics and no risk of raising the super bug. Doesn't dry out your face. I use with epiduo as well but I have been on retinoids forever and feel that I can safely say that the difference is spirolactone. Just moisturize with spf in the morning and removing the evening application of epiduo which can be a little drying. I used tazorac for a long time but the milder epiduo with/ benzoyl peroxide is nice.
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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.
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