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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April 29, 2008

Pros:

lost weight already? small pill..

Cons:

hasn't started to work yet :(

i've heard great things about this pill but my transition from erythromycin to spiro resulted in 2 cysts that i just got injected today :( hopefully it will start to kick in soon!
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April 24, 2008

Pros:

No more acne. A bit of weight loss most likely water.

Cons:

Shorter menstrual periods, vaginal dryness.

I was put on this medication 2 years ago for hormonal cystic acne. I take 100mg per day. It worked very well for the first year. I hardly ever had a break out and if I did it was very manageable. It seems now though that my body has gotten used to the medication and I may need more as I am beginning to break out again. What I dont like about these meds is that I get my period every 21 days. Also, I do not know if there are long term effects from taking it. I do know however, that for a while this medication saved my self esteem and my life as dealing with cystic acne is horrible.
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April 15, 2008

Pros:

Reduced oil, smoother skin, better complexion, and less hair growth.

Cons:

Frequent bathroom use, but that has subsided, and some I feel a bit tired.

Months 1-2: Terrible breakouts, they were cycstic and as everyone knows, these were painful. Began to clear up after second month, and saw a great reduction of oil on my face. Month 3: So this is my third month going into my fourth and I only have about 3 cycstic ones. My Md said that I will begin to see the real difference once I get into my fourth month. I currently use 100mg daily along with Yasmin. I will absolutely keep using Spiro, b/c so far I lost only my acne. That's something worth using..
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April 13, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin, reduced oiliness, weight loss

Cons:

No period, frequent urination for first 3 weeks

Love love love this stuff. I'm thrilled with the results so far. Only catch is that it seems to have made my period go away. It's only been two months so maybe I'll adjust. I take 100mgs a day.
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April 9, 2008

Pros:

I used to be a greaseball. My face was oily within 45 minutes of washing it in the morning. After three weeks my oil production has subsided remarkably. I have a few pimples left still but things are healing fast. My face feels smooth again.

Cons:

I had a TERRIBLE initial breakout for the first two weeks.I have also experienced the thirst that everyone is talking about-but I don't mind this too much as it forces me to drink more water. I have severe cramping in my legs though and it's a pain!

I am excited about this pill! I am taking 50mgs/2x per day. I had a horrible initial breakout, with pimples of every sort in places that I hadn't normally gotten them. My chest is almost completely clear after 3 weeks and my back is too. My face looks SO much better. The lessening of oil production has improved my overall complexion dramatically I think. I am going to stick with this pill for four months no matter what and hope for the best. Has anyone else experienced cramping in their legs? Mine hurt terribly and it is making me nervous-- but I don't want to report this to my doctor as I am even more afraid that she will take me off spiro and my acne will return full-force. any suggestions?
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April 7, 2008

Pros:

weight loss, less oiliness

Cons:

initial breakout, dizziness, constant thirst

I'm still waiting for Spiro to kick in. I've only been taking it for 11 days so I guess I shouldn't expect much so soon. My derm prescribed 50 mg/day along with 200mg/day of doxycycline. I've had a terrible initial breakout. My acne hurts and itches really bad. I can actually feel when a new zit is forming. I've suffered from cystic acne for about 6 years and have tried a lot of products. Hopefully this will work...It's so embarrassing to have acne! I'm a little worried about this initial breakout...hope it clears up SOON! I will update in a few weeks.
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April 6, 2008

Pros:

Less oily

Cons:

Dizzy, tired (especially tired after I workout - more tired than I got before I started medicine), really dry skin and lips, super thirsty, random pimples in places on my face that I have never had pimples

Well, I have only been on this medicine for a few weeks. I have pretty much taken everything for my skin - ProActive, multiple topical medicines and pills, including Accutane (TWICE!!) and really nothing has worked. I am 20 years old and I have had bad acne since I was about 11 or 12. I'm pretty desperate and I am really hoping that I see a difference with this medicine. I have only been on it for a short period of time, so I am going to keep on trucking. I have read all of these reviews, and from what I've read everyone raves about this medicine, so I really hope this works for me! I feel like this is my last chance! How long before you all started to see a difference?? And is 50mg 2x a day a good dosage?
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

My hair is not oily anymore, my skin is starting to clear, i have lost some weight

Cons:

I had a HORRIBLE breakout at the beginning and i am just now getting over that. My fave hurt so bad from all the acne. i had it on my arms, stomach, and chest. My mouth is constantly dry and i always feel like i need to be drinking something.

It seems to be working, im just hoping it will be the miracle drug for my skin. i have even taken accutane (for about a year) before and it worked while i was on it but not very long after. If you can get past the thirsty part of it i think it will be great!
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April 4, 2008

Pros:

Dried up my very oily skin. Hair is no longer greasy. Starting to see improvement in acne.

Cons:

VERY bad initial break out. Caused huge cysts all over my face in weird places I never had acne. Also caused a lot of small little whiteheads around my mouth.

I've been using this for 3 months and my initial break out was so bad my family asked if I was stressing and my friends asked about my face. I had wonderfully clear skin all until I hit age 22 and started getting a cyst every month. It eventually increased to 8-10 cysts a month. I am starting to see results with spiro only after three months, but the first three months were hell for me. Although I am seeing results, my face is still breaking out in huge cysts in unusual places (I usually get them on my jawline and cheek) such as above my mouth, temple, and nose. My doctor has registered me on iPledge to start accutane next month.
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March 27, 2008

Pros:

o side effects at all and very affordable

Cons:

only been taking 1 week and like so many others breaking out more than used to

Thanks for all of the reviews! I am a 46 year old female (yes, how pathetic!!!) Was on accutane appx. 7 years ago - worked wonders / began to break out again and was given accutane again but only for two months (not sure why - had no problems) Anyway - different dr. sugested spiro and hopefully will work - only taking 50mg/day. i am breaking out quite a bit now but will keep on truckin!!!! Good luck to everyone!!!!!
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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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