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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October 8, 2008

Pros:

very effective in treating acne! inexpensive!

Cons:

frequent urination

Although everyone handles medications differently, I highly recommend spironolactone based on my experience for adult females who feel that the typical medications doctors prescribe for acne have not worked for them. This is a completely different way of treating acne than the norm and has made a drastic difference for me. Although I never had severe acne, I was not able to find a medication that stopped my breakouts completely until I went on this. It is rare that I get a pimple now and if I do, it's tiny. Yes, you have to go to the bathroom quite a bit, but it is worth it with the results you get! Just try to take it at dinner time so that you are not up throughout the night going to the BR and stay hydrated. :)
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October 8, 2008

Pros:

it seemed to work after the first few months, i was on 100mg once a day, but after about 9 months my acne came back almost as bad as it was before.

Cons:

i didn't notice any side effects, i always had to pee alot though

for me it was effective for awhile, but even after my acne got worse after the first 9/10 months my derm. upped my dose to 100mg twice a day(which seems super high), and that didn't even seem to have any effect. i am scared to go off it now though, in case my skin goes haywire. i also worry about the side effects even though i don't feel any different.
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October 7, 2008

Pros:

Small pill.
No side effects yet.

Cons:

They say be patient with this!

I have just started taking Spiro yesterday and I have agreed to be very patient with it. I have tried the antibiotics and several creams and have found nothing to work. I do have pimples near my chin, cheecks, and some on my forehead. My derm said it could be a hormonal thing, since I am 25 and just started to get pimples. Positive thinking is key also in the healing process. I am trying to not to be too obsessed because I know that will only increase my pimples....Power of Attraction. Soo...Good luck to everyone else out there!! Remember also, beauty isn't always on the outside.
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October 5, 2008

Pros:

Acne completely cleared up!

Cons:

Irregular period

I've had from about 15-23 until I started taking Spiro. I've taken antibiotics and practically every treatment except Accutane. I read about Spiro on this website and decided to try it out. It took about 3-4 months before my acne completely cleared. All I have left are the scars that are starting to fade now. My period has been very irreuglar. That started about the 3rd month. I would say the side effects don't bother me at all though because my skin looks great. Stay dehydrated.
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October 2, 2008

Pros:

Remember everything you read is on an individual basis: for me, it took July, August, September, October to clear up most of the existing acne mostly on cheeks, jawline and neck below chin. Then the breakouts stop all together for the most part.

Cons:

You will definitely pee more. But to counter that drink water, you don't want to dehydrate either. Do not drink alcohol, do not do other drugs. Take it with food, take it many hours before you go to bed. Be patient and listen to your body.

Be patient, start taking one pill first week then two pills next week then work your way up to 3. Drink lots of water and watch the acne stop coming back so you can concentrate on clearing. I recommend not using any harsh cleansers, stick to Neutrogena Oil Free acne wash and Cetaphil cleanser. Use sunscreen - Oil of Olay. Be good to your body and take care of your health, sleep while you are taking the meds!
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October 2, 2008

Pros:

haven't had enough time yet! I've heard it takes a while to notice good results.

Cons:

irregular periods, a little dizziness due to dehydration

I'm 19. I've broken out since middle school but nothing serious. It wasn't until I turned 19 that my acne became moderate -severe. I started getting cysts, and as soon as they would heal, more would flare up. Not to mention they would leave marks. I went to my dermatologist and he took one look at me and knew it was hormonal. I started Spironolactone at 25mg twice daily a month ago. I noticed a change in my hormones but it seemed like I was breaking out just as bad as when I started. I went back to the dermatologist today (6 weeks later) and he has now increased my dose to 75mg twice daily. I'm hoping I just need to give it more time! I'll keep updating. Additional note- My dermatologists strongly suggested I get off ALL dairy and any foods containing 'whey' and 'casein' He said there is a STRONG link between hormonal acne and dairy products that many people don't know about. He also said there is a STRONG link between dairy and cancers such as Breast & Prostate.
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October 2, 2008

Pros:

In addition to clearing up my acne, it has reduced my pore size. Also it has made my face a lot less oily. Oh and makes your breast bigger :)

Cons:

A little chest discomfort, frequent urination, sometimes a little tired but it's all worth it for clear skin!

I used to have such clear/perfect skin but after I had my son my face just went crazy. I couldn't afford to go to the derm so it just progressively got worse and worse. To the point that I have horrible scars on my cheeks. It was cystic acne and it basically ruined a big chunk of my life. I was always depressed and did not ever want to be outside in the sun or even anyplace that was well lit. I finally got on accutane and it cleared me right up. The past couple of years my acne has slowly started to come back. I have undergone about 6 fraxel treatments that have helped smooth out my scars and now that I am on spiro 100mg 2x day ( for the past 5 months), Ziana, and Loestrin bc my face is almost completely clear. I don't even put on make up anymore. I still am very self conscious about how my skin looks but at least I am living life a little more. Spiro really does work, as the days go by my skin gets better and better!
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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.
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September 28, 2008

Pros:

Don't know yet. Gonna stick with it.

Cons:

Acne; but I don't know if it's coming more from my topical medication (Differin) or spiro. We'll see.

I found out I have p.c.o.s. and my acne, hair loss and weight gain is due to hormonal imbalance. I've been on Spiro for a few weeks (a little over two) now (50 mg a day.) My dermatologist prescribed Differin as well. I thank all of you for all your input, cause I get worried easily. I seem to be breaking out more (alot of little ones on my forehead and around/on my chin) which makes me skeptical. But I hear I need to just plug on through, so I'm going to be patient and wait it out. Once again, I am very grateful for all of your honest input. Thanks again!
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September 27, 2008

Pros:

My skin and hair is less oily. Fewer Breakouts. My boobs grew a cup size.

Cons:

Leaves me funny tasting: My boyfriend says he tastes it from me and I have some drug taste in my mouth. Eye doctor prescribed me taking eyedrops for dry eye since I've begun Spiro therapy.

Sure, I have some sort of taste perversion, I'm drying out, I'm thirsty all the time, and my sex drive has gone to the toilet. I don't care because my skin is finally clearing up and my boobs are getting bigger!
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