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:
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November 24, 2009
Cons:
painful joints, rapid heart palpitations,dry itchy skin,hair loss,depresion,dizzines
I don't mean to discourage any one....i just want to share my personal expirience,i only took it for 2 days 25mg of it,and that was enough to send to the emergency room,with severy hives,swollen from head to toes,and to top it off a mild stroke....it's been 4yrs and i'm still suffering the horrible side effects (dry itchy skin, hair loss.painful joints) i too have pecos and with hormonal problems,the acne back then was moderate,now is severy,big painful cysts,i've learned to deal with it,but not accepting it....because of my experience, i cannot recommend this drug,it works for some and not for others..."you can't win them all" Good Luck to all!
June 13, 2008
Pros:
works in a unique way
Cons:
Did not improve my complexion, but gave me lots of side effects: a lot of breast tenderness and irregular periods (every 2 weeks!)
I was only on the therapy for about 6 weeks because i couldnt tolerate the side effects. During the time i was on it, i didnt see an improvement in my oily skin and/or acne.
May 17, 2008
Pros:
lost water weight, skin was producing less oil
Cons:
Had severe allergic reaction and ended up in the ER.
My dermatologist recommended this to me last fall after years of failed treatments - retin-a, differen, azelex, mino + tetracycline, clindamicyn, etc., and I hesitated for a bit but decided to try it out this spring after reading the reviews on the message boards. 10 days after starting Spiro, I started developing these red bumps on my arms. The next morning, I woke up itching all over - they had spread and were even on my lips, which were red and misshapen. Even worse, my throat was tight and I had difficulty breathing. I ended up in the ER for six hours and received an IV treatment of benadryl and prednisone. I also had to continue benadryl and prednisone for five days to help clear the reaction out of my system. I'm lucky it wasn't worse. I think the allergic reaction is rare as I haven't seen anything on these boards, and my dermatologist said that she's only had one patient in 20 years that had a reaction to the Spiro. But I just wanted to post it as an FYI.
February 6, 2008
Just another thought - work outs will reduce testosterone too. Instead of a pharmacueticaly, try this daily first. That, as well as a healthy diet, few carbs and sweets if any, and 50grams of lean protein a day mixed with as many fruits and veggies! It sounds like a lot - but the reason our hormones are high to begin with is because we are usually too sedentary, don't eat right, and are overly stressed. Why not correct these things, and then go to drugs if it doesn't work?
Pros:
none whatsoever