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 26, 2011

Pros:

Inexpensive

Cons:

Taste of mint
Takes time to see results
Flared up in the first week after using it

I have been on this for 4 months now, this drug works really well with birth control. I was on this by itself and still got an occassional zit. I went on birth control a month ago, and this drug is most effective with it. Its like a double sided coin. If I had known this I would have been on birth control from the very start. I dont get any zits at all. Im on 100mg a day. Right now am receiving consultation on laser therapy to soften my acne scars. I must tell you to try this with birth control and give it at least 3 months to see results. I didnt see results right away like other people, but it does take time
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January 20, 2011

Pros:

Skin/hair less oily
Clear skin (after prolonged use)
Inexpensive

Cons:

Food Intolerance
Dry skin
Weight loss
Thirst/FREQUENT urination
Initial breakout HORRIBLE!
Took over a year to see results

I've waited 18 months to write my review because I know this medication takes time to work. The initial breakout was the worst I'd ever experienced (see gallery pics). Though after about six months, the cysts subsided and my skin remains cyst free. I do struggle with hives on my face due to the food intolerances caused by Spiro - though I'm keeping a food journal to better target/avoid my triggers (wheat, soy, tomatoes seem to be biggest triggers). Skin is oil free, though becoming drier and drier - nothing a good moisturizer can't remedy. Overall, yes, women, try this medication, but go into it for the long haul. The benefits come after a good 9 months.
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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.
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January 14, 2011

Pros:

no side effects
minty taste
cheap!

Cons:

no cons

i've had some form of acne since i was 15 (i am now 36.) i often had cystic acne, and was on accutane 3 times. about 5 years ago, i started seeing a new derm who prescribed 50 mg of spiro along with my Yaz (which also contains 59 mg of spiro, so 100 mg total/day.) Since then, my skin has never had another break out and cystic acne is a thing of the past. A couple of years ago I tried to go off of it. It takes ab 3 months to get out of your system. sure enough, 3 mos later i began to get cystic acne under my chin! so gross. and sad. so i went back on it. now married and considering getting pregnant this year. so i'm going to have to go off of it, and honestly, i am really scared! i suppose it's a bit of a crutch now, it's so dependable. I've had friends try it and not like it, but i agree with some of the comments here-- for me it has been a miracle drug. and only $10 a month!
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January 9, 2011

Pros:

Clears acne for us females.
No side affects.

Cons:

Nothing. Well, except that they say it can cause cancer. But I have yet to hear a human getting cancer from it.

This stuff works! I'm thrilled to have clear skin. I started getting adult acne around 21 and suffered with it for 4 years, then this little number came along and changed that. I take spironolactone and use a gentle face wash. Awesome.
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January 9, 2011

Pros:

Amazing skin after 3 months (50 mg twice daily)
Makes my hair and face significantly less oily
My boobs have gotten larger (about 1/2 size...may be a con for some people though)

Cons:

Always thirsty
Frequent spotting but no actual period (during second month got two huge cysts right before my "period", which I never get...but now completely clear with NO acne at all before, during or after spotting)
Took a few months before seeing results

This pill is AMAZING! I had light to moderate acne, but now that it's gone I realize how much it affected my confidence before. I can finally wash my face with normal wash and moisturizer, not worry about if I forget to wash my face before bed, or have to worry about eating certain foods, or even have to bother with wearing any sort of facial makeup! My skin is oil-free all day too no matter how stressed I get. I wish someone would have told me about this sooner. For the benefits that I get from a simple pill twice daily, I can live with spotting throughout the month (esp. since it makes me cramp less overall now) and drinking a little more water daily.
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January 4, 2011

Pros:

Affordable with Insurance

Cons:

Frequent Periods
Temporary Fix

I have tried many creams, lasers, etc. and determined it was a hormone issue and I needed to treat it internally. I HATE taking meds, but I was desperate. They first couple weeks my skin looked great! Then I got an unexpected period along with the usual menstrual breakouts. They barely had time to heal (and leave scars, naturally) before the next period started 2 weeks later. The cycle has been repeating for 3 months now. I had hoped things would settle down but no luck. My derm wants me to take the pill now to counteract the side effects but I refuse. The spiro is messing with my hormones enough (making me act like a crazy person) and I don't want to make it worse. I'm really bummed because I am out of options now...
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December 29, 2010

Pros:

• Extremely effective
• Affordable w/out insurance
• Zero side effects

Cons:

• Prescription only
• Must not get pregnant while taking

Spironolactone is a breakthrough for acne treatment. It works even better if taken with birth control. I first began to take it in 2003 after seeing my sister's acne clear up, and I have had nearly flawless skin ever since. I will still get the (very) occasional breakout, but I am only taking 50mg/day instead of the recommended 100mg/day for severe acne. My breakouts are also probably stress-related. I believe in spironolactone so much that I will try to find any way to tell random people with acne about it. This medication will change your life even if you only have mild acne. Of course, everyone will respond differently, but I saw improvement within days of starting treatment. Please please please try it. And spread the word to all the ladies who suffer from acne. This is the solution!!!!
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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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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