Spironolactone
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
4.2
1217
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
52.1%
4
28.4%
3
9.8%
2
4.6%
1
5.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
December 20, 2008

Pros:

The Spironolactone worked. As simply as that. I finally belong to a group of people who say something FINALLY worked for them!

Cons:

I'm uneasy about taking medication.

I am 33. I have tried every single over the counter product. I've changed my diet, I have been going to various dermatologists for over 10 years. Even as I was preparing a year ahead of time for my wedding, my medications (minocycline, clenia, benzoyl peroxide 9% and cortisone pills 3 days before the wedding) were only able to mask my condition. I've always thought, why me? Why doesn't anything work? I've dried my skin out, irritated it, all for nothing to work. I've even tried Differin, which has helped only 40-50%. Finally my dermatologist (after a year) puts me on Spiro. I have taken 12 pills (50 mg). My acne is rapidly clearing, and I have noticed 0 side effects. Finally, I don't need to constantly worry about my skin. I've fought over 15 years-- and finally a little pill does the trick. I have spend thousands of dollars over the years, all in vain. If nothing has worked for you so far, why don't you ask your dermatologist to start Spiro at a low-dose?
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 30, 2008

Pros:

women get your testosterone levels checked...may explain a lot. Spiro is the only thing that works because it blocks testosterone at receptor cites.

Cons:

none

check it out. not many dr.s link acne with hormone levels. Derm will go out of acne business!!go to an endrocrinologist.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 28, 2008

Pros:

gives you beautiful, soft skin

Cons:

nothing

It took 4 months to start working and did not completely eradicate acne until 5-6 mos. I had a horrible breakout when I went on it (the worst my face ever looked) and it kept breaking out for about 2-3 mos and then finally started clearing up. You need to be patient because IT DOES WORK. I have been on it a year now and have no intention to ever go off of it. I am 36 yrs old and I wish I knew about this years ago. It also will change the texture of your skin - my skin is extremely soft now
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 23, 2008

Pros:

The only drug that was ever able to cure my acne, it helped me lose a few pounds.

Cons:

The blood test every 6 months, but that's not even a big deal.

I used every acne drug and cream known to man from 2000 to 2005. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2003 and put on Yasmin (birth control) which helped my acne slightly for a short time. I took Metformin for a few months for my PCOS as well, but it lowered my blood sugar too much and I had to discontinue it. It did nothing to help my acne anyway. In 2005, I was put on Accutane for 6 months as the last resort... it didn't work. My dermatologist had to tell me I was one of the 10% it didn't help. He told me to see a reproductive endocrinologist and he had very little hope for me too, telling me he didn't know it Aldactone would really help my acne, but decided to give it a shoot. I started taking 200 mg of Aldactone a day in September of 2005 and in November of 2005, my acne was almost completely gone. I get compliments now on how great my skin looks. I absolutely love his drug and my only wish is that my doctors had put me on it earlier.
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 23, 2008

Pros:

Less Oil, skin is starting to clear and feeling more confident!

Cons:

It tends to make me a little sleepy for about two hrs after I take it.

I was put on spiro because I have a severe hormone imbalance. My body produces too much estrogen and when you have too much estrogen it converts to testosterone. It is that conversion that is causing my breakouts among other issues like weight gain and hair growth in places women should not have hair growth! I also did not have periods for 18 months until I was on the correct combination of meds. I am 32 years old and have been dealing with all of the problems since I was 29. I was put on Metformin and Spiro in March. I have lost 52lbs and my face has begun to clear. I started out on 25 mg and now on 50 mg. My acne is not completely gone but it has gotten much better. I go to the doc in a few weeks and I am thinking about having him increase my dosage to at least 100 mg daily. I also LOVE the fact I can wear foundation all day. Before spiro I was so oily that I had to wipe my foundation off by 11:00 in the morning. Now my face stays matte all day!
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 19, 2008

Pros:

My skin is not oily anymore and I'm finally clear. I'm 33 and I wish a doctor had prescribed me this a decade ago. Sometimes it takes a long time to find a good doctor (unfortunately!!!)

Cons:

Minor blood test every 6 months or so. I'm on 200 mg. daily and with insurance it's $6 monthly. If you've no insurance 200 mg. will cost you approx. $95 monthly.

I wanted to give an update now that I've been on it for a year. I never break out anymore and my skin is very soft. I still use a mild 2.5% BP on my face once or twice daily just to be safe. Prior to using spiro. that would NEVER have been strong enough to keep me clear. I had very severe acne on my face, back and chest. Now I use NO topicals on my body and my soaps are no longer medicated, because they would be too drying. So, if you think only people with mild acne will benefit, you're wrong. I'm also on Yasmin and although it helped reduce oil a bit, it was the spiro. that took my skin to another level entirely. It's a safe way to control your oil production at the source without the terrible and worrisome side effects of Accutane. **If you'd like to read my previous spiro. entry scroll back to Ms. Spiro dated April 5th., 2008.** I sincerely hope this helps you on your quest to break free from this terrible disease. I know how dark acne makes life seem. Please, don't give up!
This Was Helpful

16 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 13, 2008

Pros:

Works, works, works !!!

Cons:

thirst and tiredness to begin with, but as my body adjusted to it, no side effects whatsoever

Bottom line is that this really does work. I was concerned about the possibility of having a bad breakout after beginning it (as I have read in previous ratings) but I had no problems! I have been on Spiro for 6 months now, and I have clear skin ! Several years ago my Derm. put me on Doxycycline and I used Benzaclin (topical). After a about a year and a half I started having the cystic acne breakouts again. I would have 3 to 4 at a time and they would last for 2 months or more before healing. As soon as one would heal, another one or two would show up, so my face was constantly broken out. So he added Spiro, 100 mg daily. That combination is perfect for me now !!! I am 42 years old, and I have other issues to worry about, and acne should NOT be one of them ! Dont be afraid to try it, it really is worth it, and I am soooooo thankful for it !!!!!
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 13, 2008

Pros:

It works!!! Only thing i have ever taken that works to clear my skin up!

Cons:

I have had no major side effects, jut pee more.

I am 35, tried everything from hormone therapy, Accutane to antibiotics, skin products...BUT the only thing that actually stopped my skins overproduction of oil..and flareups is Spironolactone...i only wish I would have tried this 15 years ago...My skin is clear...and as far as I remember has never been clear...when I stop taking spironolactone for about 2 or 3 weeks...my skin starts breaking out again...face, forehead, neck...within a week...it starts to clear up and Im back on track!
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 11, 2008

Pros:

It cleared up my skin completely! I think i have had 3 pimples in the 6 months. My face is no longer oily AT ALL. This medication is amazing!!!!!

Cons:

It did take a long time to work, but it is 110% worth it.

I started off at 25mg twice a day, and now I am taking 200 mg a day. I know it sounds like a lot, but my acne was terrible and painful. It was hard to feel good about myself. It took a few months for the medication to really kick in, but it is WONDERFUL. I read all these review about 10 months ago and I stuck with it and I am so HAPPY. Now I have a ques: I still have some scars on my face and little bit of redness, does anyone know what kind of treatment would be best and will it cost a long of money? Also, is it true that this medication makes you lose a little weight? Please respond if you can, Thanks =) -K
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
November 1, 2008

Pros:

This is a miracle - it works with now major side effects! This worked in the first few weeks and has kept everything clear since. Other big plus - bigger boobs and really short periods.

Cons:

The only thing I noticed is if you miss a couple doses a break out is certain.

I tried everything for years with cystic acne, even accutane, and nothing seemed to get rid of the acne. If you can't get results with creams or other meds - talk to your derm. about this!!! It works fast, and no horrible side effects. My skin is soft and smooth and I even leave the house without make-up now. Occasionally a little break-out, but no cysts and they clear up in a couple days. Don't mess with all the products that are expensive and meds that are awful. This really is the miracle for your skin that you've been looking for.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 43 44 45 46 47 … 62
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website