Acne.org Products
Antiandrogen
Acne.org’s Real World Take
“Spiro” has been shown to work in a real and noticeable way most of the time. However, messing with hormones is messing with hormones and it’s best to proceed with caution.
Antiandrogen
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Spironolactone? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 9, 2011
Cons:
Weight gain
Sore breasts
Irregular Periods
Swelling and fluid retention
I have to say goodbye to this drug. After 18 months my body needs a break. It's like I was in the first trimester of pregnancy ALL the time. It got to be too much. I would still recommend this drug because it seems my symptoms are worse than others, perhaps a small reaction
September 5, 2011
Pros:
Completely cleared up my acne on chest, forehead and back. I had tried everything and nothing has come as close as this. I was very nervous to take it but I was desperate. Took 2 months to work so be patient, NO side effects at all. Started on 75g and went down to 50mg and it seems to work fine.
Cons:
Watch your potassium intake. Not just bananas - broccoli, tomatoes, tomato paste, nuts, yogurt...worth doing some research on potassium high foods.
Works and well worth watching the diet to be able to wear nice tops without trying to cover up. Unfortunately cost very little in the US but in the UK they don't administer this drug for acne. Have to pay about $200 every six months. Would still pay double this for the effect this has had.
January 17, 2011
Pros:
My face is *MUCH* less oily
Hair on arms and legs grows slower and finer after shaving (not being prickly is SO cool)
Induced a period after the 2 day (I hadn't had a proper period in almost 2 months)
Boobs feel soft and mushy (they usually do while I have my period)
Cons:
Dehydration - In my case, I didn't feel as thirsty as I felt moody and had mild headaches. Drink about 6 cups of water a day. Good idea to keep a glass of water on your nightstand. You wake up super thirsty
Am on day 9 of Spiro, and it definitely reduces oil production and shine. I've noticed a reduction in the number and size of cysts. However, I have one really persistent cyst on my left cheek. Although the number of cysts seem to have gone down, they're taking far longer to subside. They don't seem like the horrific pus-filled cysts that would rupture and bleed everytime I'd wash my face. Try not to drink while on spiro, ladies. Alcohol worsens the dehydration caused by the pill. So, abstain from it or don't go beyond a glass, or you'll wake up in the morning feeling like crap. Fingers crossed. It's been under two weeks, and I'm going to be patient with this drug. I'm hoping it works. I'm getting married soon, and don't want these awful bumps ruining my big day.
May 10, 2010
Pros:
Reduces oil; weight loss
Cons:
Initial breakout; side effects
I took Spiro for two weeks (50mg/day for one week; 100mg/day for one week). My acne went from moderate to severe in one week of taking this med, waking up with more inflammed blemishes each morning. My derm took me off of it saying that Sprio should never break you out. This drug did, however, dry my skin up rather quickly so I assume its good for excessively oily skin. Mine wasn't too bad to begin with. My head was constantly itching on this drug and it also made me feel cloudy. I really think this drug is probably the answer for most adults dealing with acne. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. I've been off Sprio for 3 days, and my skin is not breaking out anymore.
November 5, 2009
Pros:
The best medicine ever!!!!
Cons:
none
It clears your skin!!!!!!!!
October 27, 2009
Pros:
Works wonders!!! Cleared up my skin in less than 3 months of use! So far the best thing I have tried!
Cons:
As others, I do have to pee more day and night but I got used too. I also feel more tenderness on my breast and the first month acne was worse before clearing up, but appart from that I haven't had any major side effects.
I have been on spiro for almost 3 months so it might be too early to make comments on possible long term side effects but so far it has work amazing! I have struggle with acne all my life, taking antibiotics, topical creams and gels, I even tried Accutane wich work for about a year when I started to break again. My dermatologist suggested I might have hormonal acne so she started me on this pill. I've barely noticed any side effects other than my skin clearing remarkably. I will suggest if you have the chance to try it, it has change my life!
August 17, 2009
Pros:
I actually have seen huge improvements in my skin, it is covered by my insurance, ($7/mo), less time spent worrying about my face and more time spent doing things, I actually went to brunch with NO makeup on this week!
Cons:
If you currently have or have had a history of an eating disorder (me- bulimia) and/or low blood pressure you must have that checked bi-weekly by your doctor. Kind of annoying but worth it!!
I'm 29. Over the past 2 years I developed huge deep, lesions around my lower mouth and checks that would not go away, even on The Birth Control Pill, monthly facials and with all the acne.org products like it has in the past. I literally had to cry and beg for my Derm. to put me on the Spiro. after reading the reviews here. For some reason she was very skeptical. I started on the Sprio at 25 mg 2 times per day. I washed my face with Dan's cleanser, AM I use Oil of Olay for sensitive skin, SPF 15 and concealer, powder, PM, honestly, I'm lazy..I'm supposed to use Epiduo Gel .1-2.5% so I do a few times a week. After 4 weeks I bumped up to 50mg of Spiro 2 times per day. I just saw my Derm this week, it's been 10 weeks now and she was very happy with the results. When I told her I hadn't really been using the Epiduo Gel she was really surprised! Just keep reading reviews and be patient. What works for one women may not work for you remember.
August 2, 2009
Pros:
My acne is gone and a have great skin. Most people guess me to be 29, while I'm 37. Very happy with the result.
Cons:
I think it lowered my blood pressure slightly. After 8 months, I have developed eustachian tube dysfunction (keep hearing myself). I stopped it for now and the issue with my ears went away in 2 days after stopping the medication.
Supposedly, after a long term usage (1 year on 100 mg), eustachian tube disfunction can be a long term side-effect. In the end, it was totally worth it! I'm not on it for now, if I'll start developing acne, I'll try lower dosage.
While on it, you cannot get pregnant. To get pregnant, you need to be 6 months off this medication.
September 3, 2024
Hello, I realize this is an older comment but when I googled these symptoms this came up. Did your ETD ever go away and stay away? What were your symptoms? I’m trying to see if I can link my use of spiro (almost a year now) with my ear fullness/ clicking or if it’s something else. Did you ever see an ENT?
July 13, 2009
Pros:
Less oily skin, less inflamation,when pimples appear they are very small and superficial and clear in a couple of days with topic treatment, bigger breasts, less fluid retention
Cons:
More frequent urination, fatigue (especially in hot weather), lower blood pressure, dizziness, feeling of depersonalisation and moderate sadness (although the better skin does make me feel happier!!), menstruation changings
I started taking it after a full course of retinoids, during the period when you cannot take antibiotics nor more retinoids.
Does compensate, especially if you are taking it during winter time. Always take it during/immediately after dinner, so the lower blood pressure and dizziness will hit you while asleep =). Improves a lot your skin and you feel more comfortable with it, it doesn't get all sticky anymore.
If you would like to have a little breast increase, then you will be radiant!
Drink a lot!
June 21, 2009
Pros:
seems to be helping to minimize the outbreak of cystic acne
Cons:
restlessness at night (waking up a lot), anxiety, minor tightness in chest, dizziness, feelings of confusion and paranoia
I've been taking this for a few weeks and the first thing I noticed was that I would wake up a lot at night. Very restless with racing/repetitive thoughts. I am small (4'11, 85-95 lbs) and i'm taking 50 mg 2x a day. I'm going to cut back to 50 mg once a day or stop taking it all together. I also feel anxious during the day and generally feel like something isn't right. I cry very easily and feel very depressed sometimes. I don't know if the spiro is causing the anxiety and depression (i'm not taking anything else), but it's definitely causing restless sleep. I can fall asleep OK, and i now go to bed very early and get tired very easily at night, but I jsut cant stay asleep. It's very unpleasant. Overall I feel like it has a stimulant like effect, and I don't like that at all. I can't even tolerate caffeine. I may stop this even if it is helping my acne. Other people don't seem to experience these kinds of reactions though, so maybe it would worker better for other people.
Pros:
Definately works
My hair and nails look amazing