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
January 5, 2009
Cons:
The first couple of weeks she had to pee lots but says that it is not an issue now. She has been on it two months now. No other symptoms.
My daughter has tried all sorts of antibiotics, prescription washes,and topical creams since she was 14. Even being on Yaz( for ovarian cysts) didn't make any difference. Her acne just has been getting worse over the years. A cosmetic dermatologist we consulted about blue light laser treatments (which we deemed too expensive) gave her the spironolactone prescripition and said to give it a try. The other effect it had was to lessen the pain with her ovarian cysts that she gets most months with her period. Our family doctor says being on it long term can affect kidney function so that needs to be monitored. She just had her kidney and liver function checked last week and it came back normal but it need to be checked annually. I read about everyone having such good response on this website so wanted to post hers.
January 4, 2009
Pros:
Less facial oil, more even skin tone, smaller blemishes.
Cons:
feel tired, flu like symptoms, Very low blood pressure, headaches
I have been on spiro for two months now and I have noticed my skin is in better shape.The biggest difference I notice is that my skin feels cleaner, not dripping with oil. As far as the acne after two months I am still breaking out. The pimples are just smaller and less cystic.I still feel very sluggish on this med, the side effects have not gone away. My blood pressure has gotten as low as 110/54 but I have not gotten dizzy yet. I just feel so tired and have muscle aches. I am on 100 mg a day (all at once) and will not consider any higher. I hope that in 2 more months things will improve more. So far I am not disappointed with the results, just a little impatient.
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?
November 23, 2008
Pros:
decrease in oil, cysts are smaller( less fluid in them) More manageable.
Cons:
Since I have increased the dose, severe muscle aches, sluggish ,tired , cold all the time. Flu like feeling.
I started on 50 mg a day, felt ok, Didnt notice any real increase in urination.Only noticed slight oil decrease, had the same amount of usual break outs but they were smaller less fluid filled and inflamed. After two weeks upped the dose to 50 mg 2x a day , very tired, back of my neck muscles really ache, have a hard time doing my normal activites. Thought i may have a had a heart palpitation a few times, but it went away. As far as my face its been about a week on the higher dose and i did notice the stubborn deep cysts that have hid under the skin around my jaw line for months are drying up. My face looks paler which causes the old red scars to become more noticable.I still have a few new break outs but they go away quickly and are smaller but they are more painful. The oil is still decreasing which is good. So far i feel positive about spiro, Cant wait for my body to adjust to this new dose so that i feel better. Oh and i really cant say as of yet that i had an initial break out .
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!
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.
October 29, 2008
Pros:
I felt like I lost weight, It didn't upset my stomach. I actually don't even feel like I am taking medication. I had hardly any of the side effects, but everyone is different.
Cons:
I did have to pee alot at first, but then I seemed to regulate back to normal.
I have had cystic acne since I was 12, I am now 30 and have been on Spiro for about 2 years. I have tried every oral antibiotic, every topical cream/gel and nothing else has worked. I actually get compliments on how great my skin looks....no one even knows I used to have bad skin. I very rarely get cysts, maybe once every 3 months I get a whitehead/blackhead. I love it and highly recommend it.
October 28, 2008
Pros:
*started to see a tremendous difference within the first week
started off taking 100 mg and increased it to 200 mg the third wk
huge difference in oil production, clearer skin, dries out existing acne, reduces breakouts
Cons:
body aches, headaches, drowsiness, more emotional, pee alot, dry mouth, dizziness
im 19 and ive had acne since my early teens. i had just abt tried everything to get rid of the spots on my face, but it just seemed useless. I was really scared to try it out because of the inital breakout, but i just went for it. and believe me if ur acne is hormonal this is the medication for u. trust me.
September 18, 2008
Pros:
so far so good, minimized black and white heads in just a couple days, my skin in not as oily
Cons:
a little tired sometimes, have to go to the bathroom a little more then usual
I have had severe acne for 18 years. I've tried everything. Started clearing up when I turned 20 but then got worst with each child I had. I have been on spiro for 1 week. I still have had some breakouts. However I've noticed that the black heads and white heads on my nose have dramatically diminished. My pores look smaller and my skin is not as oily. I started off last week @ 50mg per day. I move up to 50mg twice a day today and 50 mg three times a day next Thurs. If I see a dramatic improvement this week I might just leave the dosage at two times a day.
September 4, 2008
Pros:
I have normal skin now!
Cons:
None for me maybe I have to pee a little more often
If you have hormonal acne then try this! I have used everything and my roommate told me about spironolactone. It takes a little while to work but it has been a miracle for me! no more accutane or antibiotics finally something that really works!
Pros:
This worked for my 17 year old daughter within two weeks of starting the prescription-25mg/day for the first 1/2 of the month then 50mg/day for the 15 days leading up to and through her period. Her face was 90% clear in two weeks. It was a miracle.