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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January 29, 2008

Pros:

some weight loss, skin now clearing after 2 months on spiro

Cons:

horrible breakouts within 2 days of starting this. dizziness and fatigue in the beginning because of effects on blood pressure

I started taking this because I had to go off birth control pills 7 months ago because of melasma and my skin was getting progressively worse because of the hormone fluctuations (the most I had ever gotten on my face was maybe a pimple or 2 a week while on the bc pills and now i was getting several and a ton the week before my period). Anyways, I did research on spiro and discovered that since it supresses aldosterone, it also supresses testosterone which would help acne. I then started 25mg BID the first week and then up to 50mg BID the second week. Within 2 days of taking my first dose, my face brokeout worse than ever. Huge pimples and also tiny bumps all over the bottom half of my face - it was HORRIBLE! I didn't want to leave the house. I have now been on spiro 2 months and my skin is finally much better -it's even softer -now all i have left besides a couple of bumps, are scars. Hang in there, it takes a while to work, and has uncomfortab side effects at first- but it's worth it!
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January 25, 2008

Pros:

My skin was clearer than it had ever been by the second week of use.

Cons:

I am on week three and my skin is breaking out again. I had a stressful week so maybe that is to blame. I will stick it out though.

I believe that my cystic acne is hormone related so I will continue to use this to see if it eventually works consistently. This is a last resort before trying accutane. I have been on antibiotics for the last 2 1/2 years and would love to quit taking them. I had a major skin reaction to my antibiotics last summer. I was in the sun for a couple of hours on July 4th, with 50 spf on, and for the next 2 weeks I had a strong tingling sensation in my hands. The docs could not explain my symptoms and it was very scary. I would like to find a solution to my acne before summer rolls around again. This drug is very inexpensive and I not noticed any side effects besides being very thirsty. My family thinks that I am crazy for trying all of these meds but they do not understand how depressing ance can be. I have my fingers crossed!!
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January 25, 2008

Pros:

water weight loss

Cons:

dizziness, fatique, dry nose

I have used this medication consistently for 3 weeks. My skin has gotten worse- I have more cystic acne, but I am hoping this is just bringing things to the surface. Anyone else have this result? My dermatologist won't let me try more that 50mg per day. He did put me on an antibiotic for calming the breakout. I have tried everything. I am 30. Totally ready to FREAK OUT.
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January 25, 2008

Pros:

significant oil reduction since i started to use spiro.

Cons:

irregular period...spotting.

ok, so since i started to use spiro, this will be week 3, i have noticed significant oil reduction and less cycstic acne. i had an initial outbreak just after one week, which was really horrible, but i kept my cool and stayed with the program. my face is starting to clear up nicely, with the exception of a few lingering cycstic ones. also, i've noticed blothces on the skin of my arms and abdomen area, i will see my derm on monday about this. if anyone has pics, please post them if you are able to. i would love to see the progress that anyone has made so far.
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January 23, 2008

Pros:

*Clearer Skin
*Oil reduction

Cons:

*Weight gain

I've been using Spironolactone for 2 weeks this Friday and my face is already a lot clearer. I've had acne since I was 11 or 12 and I'm almost 19, and literally, nothing has worked. I've gone to the derm. time & time again, and after some research, found Spironolactone online and got on it. The past few days though, I feel like I've had a weight gain and I'm not eating much at all; nothing more than usual. So I don't know if it's from this or changing birth control, which i'm in the process of as well. But it works very well for my acne; so far at least!
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January 16, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up acne; Less oil production

Cons:

Skin feels a bit drier, but it's not too bad

I've had acne since I was 12; I am now 25. I tried several regimens and prescriptions through high school, but never really stuck with anything. After numerous attempts with over-the-counter products, I finally went to the dermatologist. He recommended 50 mg of Spironolactone a day. I noticed a slight improvement with breakouts and less oil production. After 2 months I requested a higher dose. He put me on 100mg a day, which I've now been taking for about 4 months. I noticed a big improvement with the higher dose. I haven't had any major breakouts, just a few random pimples which clear up immediately. I haven't really felt any of the side effects; I just drink a lot more water. I've missed one or two doses, but haven't broken out. I went to the dermatologist last week and asked if there was any product I could use to help with the redness, scarring, and texture of my skin now that the acne is gone. He prescribed Differin cream. I haven't started it yet, but hopefully it will hel
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January 13, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin, lost 10 lbs, lowered my high blood pressure!!

Cons:

dizzy sometimes, Took about 3 months to see results. I want to have a baby- but dont want an alternative to my miracle drug! HELP!!!

I have been on everything under the sun. Accutane (straight for 3 years, no breaks- made me super aggressive and angry), every antibiotic made (Augmentin worked the best, but bad diarrhea- & got sick/flu all the time), I've tried every over-the-counter & TV gimmic. Have been batteling acne since i was 9. I am now 24 and acne free for the first time "consistently"! I wash my face twice a day w/Cetaphil Antibacterial soap, moisturize w/thier lotion, take a low testosterone Birth control-'Ortho Cyclen' (been on every BC too, Yaz made me crazy) and take 200mgs of Spiro once a day. Still have breakouts (couple zits here and there) but nothing like i had before.*Unorthodox but i swear this works too-'Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste'- for the bad unexpected zits-leave it on overnight, wash your face in the morning and it is all dried up! Do that for a couple days and the zit is gone. b4 i would have had that same bad zit for 2-3wks. Q: anyone know the TRUE risks of pregnancy & Spiro? y/n?
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January 11, 2008

Pros:

My face has became less oily and complexion looks clearer, and fresh. VERY AFFORDABLE!!(haven't had ins for the past 5 yrs):)

Cons:

Initial breakout only after 2 days of using spiro, however has subsided greatly.I haven't really encountered any other as yet.

Ok, so my Derm' rx for me 100mg of spiro, taken 1 x day and 150mg of clindamycin to be taken 3 x daily. I have been on this for only 1 week and already I've noticed a huge difference. Less oil, breakouts are not cystic, and less puss. I have used every antibiotic you can think of along with all the topicals, and yes even accutance, twice. I've had acne since age 16, I am now 29. I hope spiro will work wonders for me. All I want or I should say all i need is great skin. I think I deserve it after such a long battle with acne not to mention the scars. I will check in again after 1 month. Good luck to all!! Great Skin for the new year.
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January 7, 2008

Pros:

It seems like my skin is producing less oil. The pimples I get are more towards the surface of the skin, and not as deep and cystic as they were before.

Cons:

Amount of pimples hasn't really changed, just the size. Also a few pimples developed on my forehead...where I never break out.

I've had acne since 12, mild hirsuitism since 16, and I'm now 25. I was on spironolactone about five years ago, and it worked until I went off of it. Since about six weeks ago, I started out with 25 mg/day and didn't see any significant improvement, maybe a slight decrease in irritation/redness. I also got my period on time, which is rare. Then,a few weeks later I got the dosage bummped up to 50mg/day. Again nothing amazing. So about a week ago my doctor put me on 50mg/twice a day. I still haven't seen any major improvement yet, but I have hope since this drug worked before. Question for anyone who has taken this drug long-term and at a higher(>50)dosage. How long did it take to start showing a significant improvement in acne and/or hirsuitism?
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January 7, 2008

Pros:

decreased oil production,controlled acne, lost 5 lbs!

Cons:

felt dehydrated

This is the ONLY thing that has ever helped my skin. Significantly regulated my oil production and lessened my body hair. Nearly eliminated the cystic acne I had suffered from for 15 years. Would get small whiteheads (which I never had before), but these would clear quickly. Since this is a diuretic, as an added bonus I usually lose 5lbs each time I restart this prescription (have been on it 2x). The formula that worked for me was 100mg spiro, solodyn, retin-a micro & washing with Glytone essentials. Did cause me to be extremely thirsty.
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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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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:

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  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

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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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