Antiandrogen
Reviews
4.1
1330 Reviews
Antiandrogen
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Antiandrogen
Side Effects
High
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.
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
51%
4
28%
3
10.1%
2
4.9%
1
6.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 24, 2009

Pros:

cleared up my skin

Cons:

dizziness

I have battled acne for 18 years and this is the only time in my life that my skin has been even close to clear. I had tried everything short of accutane and my doctor decided to try just this one "last thing" before going for the accutane treatment. I'm amazed. In one month, I've gone from having about 20 new pimples each morning to having one new one every couple of days. I honestly thought nothing would work for me - I had been on every treatment imaginable - both topical and oral. This is the only thing that has worked for me.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 9, 2009

Cons:

take it before bed so you are not tired during the day. Once you are clear you have to remain on this med or it will come back.

A God Sent Miracle! I've struggled with serve acne my entire life & have been on everything under the sun even accuatane. I'm currently 40. My recent pimples were hard & remained under the skin along my jaw line down my neck & around my chin. My acne absorbed me and my daily life trying to find a solution while sufferings with each day looking like a walking connect the dots game. I left for a trip with at least 8 pimples and needed to have injections they were so bad. My doctor prescribed spironolactone but it didn't work I went thru a 90 day supply of 50mg. I went back months later for a follow up visit depressed and disappointed. This time I met with the PA where she raised my dose to 100mg per day. Within 6 weeks I was clear and now take 50 mg a day for maintenance. My skin looks beautiful maybe a pimple will come to the surface before my period. PA instructed me to take 100mg. 1 week before I get my period. It has been just a little over a year with skin that I always want
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 7, 2009

Pros:

clears up acne fast. works for back/chest also. minty taste.

Cons:

made my skin kind of dry

i saw results the first week. haven't had any major breakouts since. the pill regulates your hormones/stress (like yaz levels to help get rid of the acne. this is why some people have been experiencing weird mood swings or no sex drive. i take yaz so it hasn't effected me much in that area. no real complaints about this drug.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 5, 2009

Pros:

Only one pill a day.

Cons:

Nothing that I really know except long term use can cause cancer at times.

I'm a male, and my doctor prescribed me this medication. I'm only on 25mg a day, and it is supposed to regulate my testosterone production. It seems to work pretty well. I wasn't too bad before, but I've noticed that it's slowing down the frequency of my pimples. I find it odd that I only find it for women, but it seem to work for me. I've never heard of another man being on it, but my doctor says that he has had success with men on this medication in the past. If you're a man, I would say ask your doctor about it if antibiotics are not getting you the complete results that you want. It is less risky than accutane(spelling) and cheaper.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
January 1, 2009

Pros:

After 3 months has cleared my acne completely. I am 48 years old and have had cystic acne since my teens. My skin has never looked this good. I did not get these results with Accutane or any other treatment and I've tried them all.

Cons:

I need 150 mg to maintain results; worried about long-term side effects of this dose. Also periods are more frequent ( but much lighter so not much of a problem for me )

If you suspect your acne is hormone based this is worth a shot. Do not expect instant results though - give it at least 2 months.
This Was Helpful

4 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
September 30, 2008

Pros:

Life-saver

Cons:

None that I've noticed

This drug was a miracle for me. I'm so happy I tried it. Went from doctor to doctor my whole life with no results. Went to an endocrinologist at 42 and he prescribed it. I don't dread waking up in the morning anymore and looking at my face. Used to spend hours washing my face and being obcessed with it. I would make up excuses for not going places and find reasons to stay home. Now, my breasts have gotten bigger and I have some hair loss, but who knows if it's from this pill or a number of other things. I just wish I had gotten it sooner.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 24, 2008

Pros:

Totally cleared my severe acne

Cons:

it takes a while to work, so stick it out!

I love this medication! I have been taking Spiro for about 6months and my face has been transformed. I started out taking 100mg and worked my way up to 200mg. At 200 I really began to see a difference. I no longer wake up in the morning dreading to go outside or to look in the mirror. I no longer have to avoid eye contact with people. My face is completely clear and has been for about a month. Before I was getting a new breakout every week, once one got better I would get another one. It does take a while to work, for me it took almost five months but I stuck it out because I did see changes and now I have great skin, with exception of the scares I have left over. Spiro was my life saver!
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 18, 2008

Pros:

Works great clears my skin beautifully, love the diuretic effect

Cons:

Frequent trips to the bathroom. I don't like the idea of having to be a pills, but it seems to be the only thing that works. Takes a few months to start working.

It works great on acne if you can deal with some of the side effects.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 16, 2008

Pros:

My skin is clear clear clear, plus my jeans fit less tightly.

Cons:

None so far

I started taking this last week. I went to my OB/GYN to see if there was anything going on with my body, but it was "just" hormonal acne. My whole chin felt like one big cyst and every morning a new one appeared. After taking one 25mg pill at night, I woke up with the swelling gone on my "cysts" and I haven't had a new one in a week. I am taking 25 in the morning and 25 at night. I haven't had any side effects either besides a little water/weight loss, which is a plus for me. Try it. I have been on antibiotics for the last 2 years, but for some reason the last 2 months they stopped working. this is the only thing that has helped at all. I went from not wanting to leave the house to being OK with my skin over night.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report

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.

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.