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 31, 2009
Cons:
None
I've been on this for two and a half months... Seems like it's just starting to kick in... I'm also on a birth control pill Estelle-35... My dermatologist told me this would boost the effects of the BC pill. I definitely think it has done just that. In fact the BC pill didn't really do much at all on it's own to clear up my acne and I had been on it for 6 months prior to starting spironolactone. Side effects are minimal...Dizziness, frequent urination, some nausea... I started on 25mg, quickly increased my dose to 50mg, currently on 100mg a day. Really liking this!
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!
October 26, 2009
Pros:
Spiro has cleared up my skin on just 75 mgs. I also haven't noticed any problematic side effects that drinking more water doesn't take care of. I don't get stomach aces or other problems like I did with antibiotics.
Cons:
I need to drink a lot of water. I do have to pee more ... but I have always been somewhat like that. I initially got dry eyes and dry mouth ... but drinking more water fixes this.
If you have hormonal acne, this will likely work. You don't know until you try. And everyone has different side effects, so again you don't know until you try. It took 2 months or 8 - 10 weeks for this medication to start working for me ... 3 months before I had tapered off my antibiotic because of the stomach aches ... which caused my skin to flare ... but also showed my derma that my acne was likely hormonal. For me, it is important to control my acne which is pretty severe even if there are some side effects b/c I have a problem with picking my skin when I get stressed out -- which happens a lot because I'm in grad school and am a perfectionist. I regret the day when I was a teenager when I thought picking would fix my face and get it out. That was a bad idea ... especially because my acne seems to be permanent (I am now 27). This forum helped me when I was starting out using this. It gave me hope that it might work. Thanks everyone.
October 25, 2009
Pros:
Spironolactone stopped my hormonal eruptions and really
worked better than any oral medicine I have ever tried. Currently using Jan Marini Transitions topically the same concept but topical.
Cons:
After 6 months I started experiencing severe muscle weakness, heavy leg syndrome, tingling in feet and muscle spasms all over.. I had to stop using it after 6 months.
I think Spironolactone is great solution for hormomal acne.
The only problem is too many side effects and risks taking it orally.
Jan Marini's Transitions topical lotion does a good job without the
risks and side effects.. If interested in contacting me about my experience contact [link removed] The only problem is
transitions costs $80.00.
October 23, 2009
Pros:
EASY! I just take a pill, wake up with clear skin and I can end the day without a breakout. The best part is I can finally use a simple wash (cetaphil) and a simple moisturizer (oil of olay) and that's it!! And bigger boobs which is fantastic!
Cons:
It did make me dizzy so I had to stop taking it in the morning/afternoon and started taking it at night but don't find that I have to wake up to pee a lot as others complained about. It also made me a little more emotional for the first couple months
I'm very pleased with the results of this medication. I'm in my mid-20's and have suffered moderately severe acne/cystic acne since I was 14 and have tried EVERYTHING! I've been on 50mg. for about 4 months now and have finally started seeing results (it does take a while to kick in) I'm very hesitant about increasing my dosage and can't take birth control because it makes my emotions go haywire but did need something else to go along with it so my doctor put me on retin-A (the non-drying form) once a day which is amazing as well. Sooooo....bottom line- give it time!
October 22, 2009
Pros:
Amazing!, after 11 years of dealing with acne and trying everything, I finally found a doctor that had me try this. It took about 3 months for it to start working for me but once it did I couldn't believe it (absolute miracle!!!!!)
Cons:
it does make you pee alot, my boobs grew a full cup size. Nothing bad like all the other things I've tried in the past. I am terrified to get off this when I want to get pregnant since it seems everyone gets acne again once off it
I wish I would have found a doctor who put me on this years ago! now my only issue is all the horrible scars from before.
October 19, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up my acne when nothing else workedl. I am 56 and have suffered with cystic acne for many years. I'm currently on 75 mg. daily and I am very satified with the results. It took several months to kick in. Good luck!
Cons:
none
It's been amazing for me!
October 19, 2009
Pros:
It will clear up your female hormonal acne and yes, your boobs get more full. My mood is elevated.
Cons:
light-headed occasionally due to lower blood pressure (stand up slowly and take care of yourself-pretty simple)
I began taking spironolactone at the beginning of 2009 along with birth control. My face cleared up within a month and I enjoyed nice skin until this summer when I stopped taking after I lost my health insurance. Went to see a P.A. at my University and told her I wanted spironolactone and YAZ because the combination is very effective for me. Back on 50 mg of spironolactone along with YAZ as of the beginning of this month. Guess what? SKIN IS CLEAR AGAIN! This works-it is the only think that has worked for my hormonal acne. Yes, the first week is tough with adjusting to the BC and Spiro-you are moody and tired but realize that the meds are not making you crazy. Your hormones are balancing which EQUALS CLEAR SKIN!! Good luck everyone.
October 18, 2009
Pros:
Cystic Acne - cured! Took 1 month to see clear skin. Less oil, hair less oily, no pimples, skin texture is much better and I feel happier!
Cons:
Irregular periods for the first 2 months, extra thirsty, pee a bit more than usual but its worth it!
Try it - its the best thing I have ever used. I will never come off it. The pros outweigh the cons by a mile!!! I wish I could tell everyone who has acne to give it a shot. Good luck!
October 16, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up my skin.
Cons:
Dry hair and hair loss.
Gee, too bad it's having an effect on my hair. I've been taking it for 6 or 7 months now and noticed the effect it was having on my hair in just the last several weeks. At first it was just dryness, but now it's literally shedding quite a bit. It's done really well for my skin, but my hair is just as important. Looks like I'm going to have to pull myself off it.
Pros:
Clearing up my cystic acne. Decreasing oil production. Controlling pre-menstrual flare. Affordable.