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 17, 2008

Pros:

Clear skin, not oily anymore, self confidence restored

Cons:

Weakness, fatigue, got to drink lots of water and I was previously a DIET COKE addict.

This medicine works wonderfully!!! I have purchased all kinds of expensive over the counter products over the years and nothing gave me significant improvement. I have been taking Spironolactone for 6 weeks now, 50mg/ day for the 3o days, then 100mg/day. The first couple of weeks were rough. My acne seemed to be getting worse, but in reality it was bringing everything to the surface at once and clearing up from the inside out. I have experienced a good bit of fatigue and muscle weakness, but this is getting better. I am so glad I took that trip to the dermatologists office. For those who are not there yet, keep the faith, you will get there.
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January 16, 2008

Pros:

My acne is almost completely gone.

Cons:

TAKES A REALLY LONG TIME TO WORK. 4-5 MONTHS! I also had terribly bad initial breakouts for almost 3 months.

I have used every possible combination of acne treatment available. Last year I tried smooth beam laser which made me scar and get a LOT of dark spots, I do not recommend that treatment at all. Spiro is the only thing that works. I have had consistent acne since highschool, I am now 23 and finally have clear skin. I take 100 mg a day plus 25 from my birth control. I wash with Neutrogena oil free cream cleanser and use differin .3 at night. This combination is amazing. My skin is smooth and I never get those under the skin hard cysts anymore. For those who have only been on this med for a short time, don't give up! I can't tell you how many times I have called my mom crying, complaining about my skin and how many times she told me to "stick it out". Stay on this medicine, it takes a long time to work but is worth the wait! Also don't get discouraged if your skin gets worse initially, mine got horrible and I almost gave up, then a month later I woke up with clear skin.
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January 15, 2008

Pros:

This stuff works! After 20 yars of questionable and sometimes down right horrible skin. I am clear! I am 43 and even makeup optional! 200mg/day. Water weight is a thing of the past. Skin is not oily any more and I have no more social panic attacks.

Cons:

I still need topical help occasionally, but it clears almost ovenight. Dizzyiness on start up was scarry and severe with me. Lots of water corrected this. I have no dizziness at all any more. Wine and spiro don't mix well, espeespecially on start up

Listen to your body once you start taking this! If you need to: Don't get up too quickly, drink water, no wine, careful of salt etc.. I almost stopped because of start up side effects that I no longer have at all!!! This has been a wonder drug for me. I highly recommend this if you are suffering, especially if your'e experiencing a form of adult on set acne. It is almost always cystic, painful and impossible to treat without medical help!!!! This is hormonal help and balance at it's best. You may still need topical help now and again and be prepared to change your skin routine because you will not be oily, or even an oily dry mix. You just could experience normal skin for the first time! Imagine that! And by the way, a glass of wine at dinner is now tolerated quite normally. Bottom line: I research every drug I've ever taken. I know it's molecular structure and time it takes to leave my body. For me it's a safer bet than accutane and antiboitics ever could be.
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January 13, 2008

Pros:

Changed my life! Oil production and breakouts ceased within first 3-4 doses. I have only had one cystic zit in 4 months of use.

Cons:

Felt sextremely tired for the first 2 weeks. No other bad side effects.

I am 35 and have been battling my skin ever since I can remember. I suffered from cystic acne mainly on the chin as well as extreme oil production all over the face. There was never a day I didn't have a breakout or didn't have to use numerous oil blotting papers to degrease my faec. Every morning and night, I looked in the mirror to see what new had popped up and also see if the any of the old spots were getting better. No more obsessing over my skin since taking this medication! I can't explain how happy I am. I take 100 mgs per day and also use Differin gel .3%. My skin is drier all over my body, which is not a bad thing for me at all. The palms of my hands and feet, as well as my nails, are drier which is totally fine, too.
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January 4, 2008

Pros:

Cleared up all cystic acne.

Cons:

Caused horrible IB (not cysts, pretty small stuff), although not sure if this was due to retin-A.

I am also using retin-A at night and tetracycline twice daily (my spiro dose is 100 mg). This is the beginning of my fourth month on this regimen, and I finally have clear skin. I am still dealing with red marks from the bad IB (which was all over my face, on parts that I had never broken out before), but I know these will fade in time. I can honestly say that the day I started using this product was the day that my cysts stopped.
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December 30, 2007

Pros:

Clear skin, body hair is thinner on legs, arms, and face, less water weight

Cons:

My menstrual cramps were much worse, but I can't tell it that was the medication or just a bad month. I'll see in another two weeks.

I love this medication! Within three weeks of taking this, my skin started to clear up. I also use Ziana mixed with Duac for fading acne spots, and Cetaphil Daily Face Moisturizer. Once every two weeks, I use Plexion to reduce the oil production in my skin. This combination has almost completely eliminated my acne, and faded the dark spots on my skin (I'm African-American, and we get dark spots from acne scars). Before, I used the Duac mixed with Retin-A Micro pump, and it continually dried my skin out without reducing the acne. I'm so happy my doctor prescribed this medicine! Also, the women in my family tend to have thicker body hair (I had to shave my legs every day). After a month use, I noticed that my body hair is much much finer and thinner. What a bonus!
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December 29, 2007

Pros:

Skin is slightly less oily.

Cons:

Still getting some cystic acne on chin and upper lip...a little more than usual.Thinking of getting an antibiotic.

So far, I love it. I have very high hopes after reading so much on the topic and speaking with my Derm, who also happens to be my boss! (I am a Medical Esthetician)I have had cystic acne & oily skin since my teens, I am now in my late 30's. I have tried everything over the years except for Spirono. At this point, I'm taking 100mg/day and will be increased in a couple of mths to 150mg. I currently use Cetaphil to cleanse, Duac as a spot treatment in the day, and Tazorac in the evening. I have been getting Glycolic peels since the early 90's. I believe this has helped my skin stay even toned and young looking. Even after I have a breakout, the peel helps the blemish go away faster and keeps the skin tone even. I highly recommend peels to every one of my clients. Despite my battle with acne, I constantly get compliments on my skin! To Jenny, Sydney I would recomment having having a series of microdermabrasion treatments or laser treatments depending on the severity of the scarring.
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December 27, 2007

Pros:

Works wells, lose weight.

Cons:

anemia

I like this product alot, it works wells, I did not have the beginning outbreaks like most of you are talking about. This drug is an old hypertension drug, meaning it lowers your blood pressure, unfortunately I had low blood pressure in the first place, so if I don't eat iron rich foods, i.e. spinach, then I can get really dizzy sometimes. Drink plenty of water or tea to replace all the water and the sodium you are peeing out. Try to stay away from potassium rich foods, like bananas. This drug retains the potassium in the body, too much can be dangerous. Thanks!
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December 23, 2007

Pros:

Complete absence of cystic acne! Much improved skin texture, less oiliness all around, pore shrinkage.

Cons:

None to mention

After struggling with cystic acne for 10 or 12 years (Im 27), and trying every antibiotic (tetracycline, dioxicycline, minocycline, zithromycin), topical (Retin A, sulfa drugs, benzoyl peroxine, salicylic acid), gimmicky concoction known to man (jojoba oil, egg masks etc)I am now acne free! I even took Accutane with limited results. Now that is a scary drug! It cleared me up but it came back right away. It took about 1 or 2 months to see major progress and complete clearning in 6 months. I also changed dosages to the highest level. I am also on Yasmin to futher help with hormonal stability. I can't tell you enough how much I recommend this drug. I cannot think of a downside except for daily pill taking which is a SMALL price to pay.
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December 17, 2007

Pros:

Works wonders!

Cons:

Constant spotting, took a few months to work, major breakout before it cleared.

I'm 35 and after years of trying every acne product on the market I was recommended Spiro (aldactone in Australia). I've now been on it for about 5 months and my skin is very clear. Took a few months to work and had a TERRIBLE breakout before it got better, but it definately does work. One question for the ladies out there though - I seem to have a very light period all month long. Is this normal? I'm also taking Yasmin but the period is not aligned with the Yasmin pills at all. Also, I have some scarring now from the initial breakout. Any recommendations on how to treat this? or should I just wait it out for my skin to renew itself? Thanks so much!
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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