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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December 28, 2010

Pros:

-No acne after about a month
-Lighter body hair

Cons:

None.

Clear skin is priceless. I've spent years and hundredths of dollars trying everything imaginable. My cousin recommended Spironolactone and it cleared up my skin so quickly. I used to wear makeup 24/7 and avoid going out in public. I just went out to the store without makeup and I feel great. This is the only acne treatment that has ever worked for me. It's s a miracle drug!
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December 20, 2010

Pros:

Definitely cleared me up!

Cons:

Bit inconvenient to take the pill every single day, but it is worth it
Had to wait couple of weeks to see complete effect

I originally took this along with BC when my doctor and I concluded that my acne was hormone related. I went off Yaz because it was causing weight gain and clots, and I was worried that I would see my acne return even with Spiro, but I went off and hardly saw a difference! actually saw it improve. I use it now along with Atralin cream, and the combo give me perfect skin (breakouts here and there). I paid $0 because my insurance is amazing.
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December 14, 2010

Pros:

~It cleared by skin instantly.
~I like the minty flavor.
~There are no serious side effects to be concerned about unless you are already chronically ill or are an elderly.
~Now I can eat food that I like to eat again, such as chocolate and pizza without fear of breaking out from it.
~Dry mouth. Always take water with me. Fruit really helps rehydrate, even better than water.

Cons:

~Do not take potassium supplements, but do worry if your multi-vitamin has a low dose in it. And you don't need to worry about eating bananas, just don't overdo it. However, I am avoiding coconut water, which has a high amount of potassium in it and it was my favorite drink.
~Men can't take it.

Before I took spiro, I had many large cysts continuously forming, one after the other. But after the first night I began spiro, my acne was gone by the next morning, and I have had no breakouts since. This was a miracle medicine for me. I know it takes longer to work for others, but for me, it worked instantly. Either way, research and my own case study has shown me that this medicine works for the majority of women who take it whether instantly or in the near future.
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December 2, 2010

Pros:

Everything, the best thing that has ever happend to me, my severe acne has completely cleared up, my body produces less oil and I am never bloated anymore

Cons:

It takes a while to start working, please please PLEASE realize this before going into any acne treatment, do not get your hopes up thinking taking this for a week will solve your problems.

I have the best dr in the world, I am so upset I wasnt told about this medication by the dozens of doctors I saw before him. He was very clear about what would happen while taking this medication, which is why I think it has worked for me so well. Please understand that this medication takes several months to start working. My doctor told me that I would see dramatic results by the third month and he was completely right. I had two very big cystic breakouts during the first month and a half which he warned me about. I was taking 50 mg a day and was patiently waiting for the third month. I could tell the medication was balancing out my horomones so I let it do its thing. By the third month I was amazed at how nice my skin was looking, however I still had some break outs around my period but never cystic breakouts. When i went back in for a check up at the 4 month mark he doubled my dose and it took about 3 months after that to have completely clear skin. I used to have severe cystic acne, now if I do break out (which ONLY happens around my period) it is one or two very very tiny pimples that go away in a day. This medication changed my life. Make sure you have a doctor who is very experienced with this medication, my doctors wife is on this medication so he knew everything about it. If your body is able to handle this medication please give it a try, its a great option over accutane for women.
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November 16, 2010

Pros:

Clears acne
Lost weight
Inexpensive

Cons:

Mild dehydration (solved by increasing liquid intake)

I have had Acne Conglobata on my back since I was 13 years old and went through two courses of Accutane as a teen. After the acne returned and scarring continued, I thought there was no hope and gave up going to the Dermatologist. When I was 23, I decided my acne was too severe to do nothing, and through extensive research, came across Sprironolactone. It has been a life saver. I have extreme antibiotic allergies which made most acne oral medications impossible for me to take, save Accutane and Spironolactone. Now at 25, and 100mg of Spironolactone a day, I can say I am virtually acne free! Although I do get the occasional flare-up around my period every not and again, they are never the painful, under the skin cysts, that I used to suffer from. I would recommend Spironolactone to anyone who has this type of acne and either tried Accutane with no luck or doesn't want to face the side effects associated with Accutane. I wish I had known about Spironolactone when I was younger. It has worked wonders for me and I feel more confident in my own skin.
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November 13, 2010

Pros:

Drastically clears up skin
Face and hair significantly less oily
Decreases water weight/bloating
Improvement after 2 weeks of use
Inexpensive

Cons:

Occasional irregular heart beat and tightness in chest
Spotting in between periods
Fatigue and headaches (first few weeks)

This medicine actually works!!!! Having suffered with acne for 13 years, I have been on every possible medication including 2 rounds of Accutane. When I was 15 I developed a rare skin condition called Gram Negative Folliculitus; caused from taking Tetracyclin for a pro-longed period. The gram negative formed a bacteria combined with severe cystic acne that dis-formed my jaw line and it was so bad, I was out of school for 6 weeks. I was put on Accutane to clear it up and it did, but my regular acne soon came back and never left. After years of tears, scaring and trying every prescription, online and homopathic natural treatment, I went to a new dermatologist for one last try. She prescribed me spironolactone and I could not be happier. I call it my miracle drug...if you have hormonal acne, this WILL work and you will see improvement after just a week. I have never been more happy with my clear skin! Now if only I can find a fantastic product for left over scars ;)
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November 11, 2010

Pros:

Reduces oil, acne, and facial hair

Cons:

makes me a bit dizzy, heart rate a bit funky and I am scared that it may cause cancer. Also if you stop taking it the hair grows right back.

I'm 32 and I have acne and facial hair. The acne is under control (I also just got off accutane). It definitely works on facial hair. Lightens and diminishes it. I definitely recommend this. Although it may cause cancer and shorten my life in the long run atleast I can face the world now. What is life worth living if you have to hide all the time? This medication is a definite must if you have acne and facial hair.
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October 28, 2010

Pros:

notice my face is less oily by 50%
i do feel my skin tone is one shade lighter

Cons:

one week initial breakout
nauseous at first
i was losing hope
feeling irritated and depressed at first

background: got acne since 2002 sebum secretion: severe my face just got worse during and after Accutane that I took for 4 months on 2005 got large pores and scars uneven skin tone from sun exposure i was diagnosed with PCOS on September 2009 and my gynecologist prescribed me Diane-35, then i took it for nearly 5-6 months but unfortunately it didn't work it had no effect with the sebum secretion. Again i lost my hopes on Diane-35. And On October 20,2010 i decided to take spironolactone after days of research. And i read on my sister's drug handbook that it is an off-label drug for acne. the recommended dosage for this is 100 mg per day. and it is already proven to reduce oil secretion along with accutane and SMT D002. So i gave it a try...after a week of taking this i can attest that i am seeing an improvement with the oil secretion, though my face is still breaking out. I am satisfied with this.
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October 12, 2010

Pros:

started to clear in 1.5 months, 3 months completely cleared and has been since (11 months now)
only 1 pill/day
minimal side effects
helps to de-bloat

Cons:

Increase in urination the first few months
Been told acne may return once off the medication

It works, but you have to be patient initially. I had no side effects, and with insurance its only 10 bucks/month
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September 20, 2010

Pros:

Cleared Acne, lost some water weight, tolerable side effects.
Cost is CHEAP, compared to other medications.

Cons:

For the first few weeks, I was VERY tired; but then, after the first few weeks, the tiredness went away.
I have to drink lots and LOTS of water so that i don't get dehydrated and get a headache; as a consequence, i pee SO much, like 10 times a day, atleast.
Slow progress; it took me about four months to see any significant results.

I just want to encourage anyone who is just starting spironolactone and don't seem to see any fast improvements... this medication takes some time so please be patient. I read many reviews on this site that told me to be PATIENT, and i am glad that i listened and persisted because after about 4 months in, i am reaping the benefits! :) Spironolactone is working for me; i don't have any 'active' pimples on my face (for the first time in how many months???) and i am now being patient about the scars fading... good luck and hope for the best. acne sucks and i know how it feels.. be patient.
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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.
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  • 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:

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  • 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.
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  • 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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