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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August 31, 2008

Pros:

It's working so far. Skin is 95% clearer and I am not oily any longer. This med keeps the water weight off.

Cons:

Kind of tired and a lot of bathroom trips. But not a major problem.

I have been troubled with acne for about 4 years and I am in my 30's. Tried a lot of different prescriptions topicals and they did not work for me. Proactiv did not work. It actually left my skin worse. Tried solodyn and it did not work. My dermotologist tried spiro because we had started to discuss accutane. No need for accutane now. I am using a combination treatment which is taking 100 mg twice a day and differin at night.
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August 29, 2008

Pros:

For the first time in almost 3 years I can actually leave the house without tons of makeup bc my skin is almost completely clear

Cons:

Skin is a bit drier bc there is no oil left. I went from at the end of every day having to wipe off so much oil to nothing.. It is unbelievable. I do think this medicine makes me a bit more tired than usual but clear skin is worth it

I am in my 30s and ever since I got the Mirena IUD I have had constant cystic acne and pimple break outs month after month for almost 3 years. It has been absolutely DEVASTING for me. Nothing else worked topical, other medications etc. As a last resort before getting the IUD removed the nurse practioner at my OBGYN's office recommended this. I was skeptical but decided to try, what else could I lose since I was determined to win this battle. For the first 6 weeks my skin broke out horribly but for the last month something amazing is happening I am not having daily breakouts and for the first time in years I can walk outside without makeup. I am in shock, I just keep praying the acne doesn't come back but 4 weeks now and no pimples. If you try this be patient, I have read several other reviews with people saying the same thing give it time to work! Best of luck.
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August 25, 2008

Pros:

Clearer skin and no longer losing hair on scalp!

Cons:

Tastes terrible; frequent boughts of urination; having to watch potassium levels; still having a bloated stomach

I'm 19 and though my androgen levels are normal, apparently my body is too sensitive to them and I have female pattern baldness...I was losing so much hair that I was afraid to go out. I'm not sure which particular part of my new regimen has saved my hair, but I can tell you that I no longer look down at my shower drain and see clumps! I haven't noticed a decrease in body hair but additionally my moderate-to-severe acne has almost completely ceased and I've only been on this a couple of weeks. I actually feel like a woman again now that I'm taking this. I'd reccommend it to anyone. I'm still extremely bloated but I am willing to give this a chance! I'm on 100 mg daily so I probably won't have my dosage increased any time soon.
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August 21, 2008

Pros:

No acne, decreased facial hair, and let hair grows slower now. works quicker than accutane without the depresion concerns.

Cons:

dry mouth, frequent urination

If it keeps my acne awaym uts all good
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August 19, 2008

Pros:

I haven't had any yet

Cons:

I keep waking up to find my face full of new acne. It's really itchy and they hurt!

I am 20 yrs old andI have had acne since middle school. I have tried everything under the sun except for accutane. When I went to the dermatologist to talk about going on accutane, she said that I might want to try spiro first. She made it seem like this would be the miracle I have been waiting for. I have only been on spiro for nine days, but my skin is the worst I have ever seen it. I'm taking 50mg in the morning in conjunction with differin .3% gel at night. I'm very tempted to just give up? How long does it usually take to start working?
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August 16, 2008

Pros:

a lot fewer breakouts, clearer skin, less oiliness

Cons:

not really noticed any

I've been on Spiro for a couple of months now and it has significantly helped with my acne. It was never really bad, but I did have to battle some cysts on throat, forehead and chin, plus the typical stuff one woman gets when menstruating. Very annoying!! I've read the board here and I haven't noticed anybody saying anything about change in menstrual flow. (maybe I haven't gone through all the pages).This is the second VERY light period I've experienced in my life, and it's because of the Spiro. Does anyone else have this blessed side effect?
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

Made my skin less oily, REALLY helped with my menstural cramps

Cons:

Takes a while to work

Been on this stuff about a month and havent seen any real improvement in my skin so it's frustrating. Got rid of my menstural cramps though! Everyone's different though. Give it a try!
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

Clearer complexion!!!! I can say it works!!!!

Cons:

Initial break out was horrible, but within a week or more, face became clear

I would recommend this to others. I have been taking this for a couple days shy of a month and it is already effective!
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August 6, 2008

Pros:

Made skin less oily, reduced facial hair, and acne. Helped with weight loss.

Cons:

When I first started taking it, I got dizzy easily and could tell my blood pressure was low. I was also really thirsty all the time and lost my appetite.

I've been using spironolactone now for 2 months at 50mg a day, along with retin-a micro in the pm, and finacea in the am. Despite the side effects, I was beginning to see results until now. I'm having a bad breakout, one I haven't seen in while. I have faith in spironolactone, so I'm hoping things will clear up. Did anyone else's skin get worse before it got better, when you first started taking spironolactone?
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July 24, 2008

Pros:

I believe it has been a factor in clearing up my cystic acne on neck. Cheap with ins.

Cons:

Sore breasts, SWEAT ALOT!

I started getting cystic acne after my son was born in my early thirties. I am allergic to benzoyl peroxide so that eliminates alot of options for me. Accutane was not an option for me as I have a psych history. I simutaneosly started this med, having salycidic acid peels and using Differin all at the same time and the combo has really worked for me. I have considered going off it, as it seems to make me SWEAT more than I ever have. But the trade off for clear skin is worth it.
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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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