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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August 13, 2008

Pros:

Was on everything from doxy to differin, acne was getting worse, tried spirno. Worked within a few weeks bumps going away, still had acne scars using lightening cream for that. Acne problem seems to be hormonal.

Cons:

frequent restroom trips, but worth the clear skin

Using 50mg day, as well as topical med for scarring. Have been seeing derm for about 1 1/2 yrs, spirno seems to work for me, have been on antibiotics, which did't help. Last step would be accutane dont want to go on it, so keeping my fingers cross that spirno works for yrs to come.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

Acne totally cleared up, hair & skin not oily anymore, shorter and pain-free period, lost water-weight, body hair grows slower, less sweating - no need for deodorant.

Cons:

Need to drink more water & pee more frequently, under-eye cicles (look tired), my veins are prominent all over my body

I take 200mg twice a day for the past year. I will continue using it because the pros outweight the cons for me personally.
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August 12, 2008

Pros:

Clearer complexion!!!! I can say it works!!!!

Cons:

Initial break out was horrible, but within a week or more, face became clear

I would recommend this to others. I have been taking this for a couple days shy of a month and it is already effective!
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August 6, 2008

Pros:

IT WORKED! Within the 1st month my back was totally cleared up, my face was clear in 2 months. It dramatically improved the texture of my skin. It made my skin flawless!

Cons:

NOTHING

This worked for me and changed my life! My dermatologist was going to put my on Accutane and wanted to try one more thing! Thank God it worked!
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August 6, 2008

Pros:

Made skin less oily, reduced facial hair, and acne. Helped with weight loss.

Cons:

When I first started taking it, I got dizzy easily and could tell my blood pressure was low. I was also really thirsty all the time and lost my appetite.

I've been using spironolactone now for 2 months at 50mg a day, along with retin-a micro in the pm, and finacea in the am. Despite the side effects, I was beginning to see results until now. I'm having a bad breakout, one I haven't seen in while. I have faith in spironolactone, so I'm hoping things will clear up. Did anyone else's skin get worse before it got better, when you first started taking spironolactone?
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July 31, 2008

Pros:

I'm in my 40's and still had reoccurring acne. I'm on a combined treatment - this, solodyne, topical glymed wash and BenzaClin. Lost weight w/ diuretic effect of this one, face clear, skin texture even changed and oil reduced.

Cons:

Takes about 2 months before it all works. Must keep on program to keep it working.

My prescription costs $25 a month - with the total regimen it's about $100/mo., plus dermatologist visits every 6 mos. - but well worth it!
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July 31, 2008

Pros:

It helped with my oily skin , excess hair, and helped clear some acne.

Cons:

It did not completely clear my skin. I have been on 200mg a day for over 10 months. I am also on Yaz. I get tired easier than a use to and I pee a lot.

It helped but did not make my skin clear. I think my derm may put me on accutane, but I am afraid that it will make my skin worse and my self esteem will be gone. I know I have a hormonal problem but I don't know if it is from PCOS or something else. If you are women who is have problems with acne you should try this because It may be your miracle drug. I hope I can find mine.
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July 30, 2008

Pros:

Works well, consistent (as long as you are in taking it), smoother skin, less oil

Cons:

Initially, it takes a while to work (2-3 months to see full results). Also, it is a maintenance drug and you’ll need to be on it consistently until your body’s hormones change, which could be through menopause.

I had moderate acne as a teen that got more severe the older I got (I'm 24 now). I tried everything under the sun, from topicals (retin A, differin, clindymycin, benzoyl peroxide) to antibiotics (doxycycline, tetracycline, clindymycin) on top of TWO bouts of accutane, all with little or no results. I switched dermatologists several times and never accepted that there was nothing to be done, thank god, because my current derm. suggested my 'last hope': spironolactone. I have been on it for 3 years now and couldn't be more happy about the results. Aside from the occasional pimple, I have no traces of acne whatsoever. I had some irregular periods now again, so I went on a light birth control pill and all is well. I can't recommend this highly enough ' especially for those who have 'tried everything'. Give it a shot.
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July 29, 2008

Pros:

LIGHTER SKIN, SMOOTHER SKIN, LESS OIL, DECREASED BREAKOUTS, IT REALLY WORKS!

Cons:

ONE OR TWO EXTRA TRIPS TO THE RESTROOM PER DAY, ESPECIALLY IF TAKEN AT NIGHT!

Since starting this medication, my skin has improved 100%. I immediatedly noticed the difference, and by the second week I was completely sold on the product. I found out about this medication from this website and was skeptical it would work for me. I felt compelled to leave a review as a thank you for introducing me to spironolactone. I am pleased and thrilled with my results. I have taken this medication for about two months.
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July 24, 2008

Pros:

I believe it has been a factor in clearing up my cystic acne on neck. Cheap with ins.

Cons:

Sore breasts, SWEAT ALOT!

I started getting cystic acne after my son was born in my early thirties. I am allergic to benzoyl peroxide so that eliminates alot of options for me. Accutane was not an option for me as I have a psych history. I simutaneosly started this med, having salycidic acid peels and using Differin all at the same time and the combo has really worked for me. I have considered going off it, as it seems to make me SWEAT more than I ever have. But the trade off for clear skin is worth it.
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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.
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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.
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