Spironolactone
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
4.2
1217
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
52.1%
4
28.4%
3
9.8%
2
4.6%
1
5.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
June 24, 2008

Pros:

Skin is clear and free of cystic acne (apart from the very occasional blemish). Water weight loss during the first few weeks. Continued breast enlargement (I suppose this could be a con for some women...).

Cons:

Increased fatigue during first few weeks, continued irregular periods (though I hear that's supposed to stop, too).

As an accutane vet, I'd recommend Spiro over Accutane. Even though Accutane has more pronounced and sudden effects, Spiro is safer and gets to the root of the problem (the androgen sensitivity that effects many women). It took some playing around with dosages to hit the sweet spot (I'm at 150 mg/day - at 115 lbs, I suppose that's a relatively high dose), but it was worth the wait. Don't be alarmed when skin gets worse before it gets better. Stick with it.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 23, 2008

Pros:

My skin seems to be less oily and it finally seems to be clearing.

Cons:

Developed a severe, cystic breakout on my cheeks and chin.

I've been fighting acne for about 8 years. I have tried almost everything under the sun, except Accutane. My dermatologist prescribed Spiro (100 mg daily) along with Minocycline(100 mg daily). I do hate taking so many pills (4 per day) though. I tried YAZ specifically for acne and ended up in the hospital intensive care unit for a week with a pulmonary (lung) blood clot. I'm 31, healthy, exercise regularly and don't smoke.. so be careful! Anyway, my face severely brok out with cystic acne about 4 weeks in. I wanted to quit and try Accutane by my dermatologist said to wait it out. My face is finally clearing. I just have 1 cyst left and scaring because I seem to get a scar with every pimple. I really hope this continues to clear my skin. I'm not sure how much more I can put my self esteem through. =( I'm assuming this is like many other medications where the acne is likely to get worse before it improves. =)
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 22, 2008

Pros:

Not really sure of any yet....

Cons:

none

I was given a low dose of Spiro almost 3 weeks ago to be taken along with the Yaz because the Yaz is not really working for me all that great after 4 months. I started getting few cystic like acne on my checks when I only had acne on my forehead. Did this happen to anyone? I'm thinking the Yaz needs to be changed to another BC. or maybe my Spiro is to low. I'm also using a Tazorac every other day as a topical. I hate being on so many prescriptions! Anyone go through the same thing??
This Was Helpful

Report
June 21, 2008

Pros:

Amazing to hormonal acne. My derm prescribed this when I lived in San Antonio but since I've lived in IL, no doc has wanted to prescribe it. I used it for about a year and then moved, and then ran out. It works! Be patient.

Cons:

Urination, skipped periods.

This was the only medication that worked for me (and I tried many tetracycline products). I never broke out. It took about six months to really work but after that, even before my period, my skin was clear. I also used topical lotions (Klaron, a sulfur based gel) and Tazorac. These three items worked great. Tazorac did make me peel and then I used it every other day and mixed a pea size with my moisturizer (Peter Thomas Roth).
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 19, 2008

Pros:

My skin is much clearer and I have less black heads. I've been taking Spironolactone for three months and it's amazing. I'm 36 years and suffers with acne for most of my life. I tried Accutane twice but couldn't handle the side effects.

Cons:

Frequent urination and breast tenderness.

It worth trying if you have exhausted all you options.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 17, 2008

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

None

Hi Help-Please. Yes, my derm prescribed it for me. He said that my acne was hormonal, but that spironolactone was good for that. I don't have PCOS--just jacked up hormones :>). I've heard that some derms are reluctant to prescribe it, because prescribing it for acne is off-label. Don't know how long you've been going to your derm, but you may want to try to find one that will prescribe it. For the clear skin that I've gotten, I can take irregular cycles. Right now mine is about every two weeks, but it's nothing more that spotting. I'll take that any day over the acne I've suffered with.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 17, 2008

Pros:

not sure havent started

Cons:

same

I have read all the amazing things about this and want to try it asap! i went to my derm who is making me go to a specailist to get tested for polycist ovarian syndrome (sp?) and see if the specialist will then prescribe it to me my question is do all of you that are using this have POCS? or is your derm prescribing it just for acne? i really want to get on this im so desperate for something to work just a little confused as to what it is exactly treating! my acne is def hormonal and this is the first time ive broken out or had bad acne and it hasnt gotten better in a year! im just starting yaz to see if that will help to. and i have some random hair growth :( gross i know! HELP!!!!!
This Was Helpful

Report
June 14, 2008

Pros:

Never bloated, less oily, fewer cysts closer to the 2 month mark

Cons:

Irreregular period 2nd month, terrible outbreaks the 4-6 weeks, terrible peeling

I have been on spiro for 8 weeks now and am also using Tazarac at night. The first month was terrible because of outbreaks. Everyday I felt something new was forming. But it's been 8 weeks and I'm not breaking out as much and am now on Tazarac and Benzaclin so I think the whole combination is definitely improving my skin and I do feel better about it. I do peel because of the Tazarac so I have to remember to moisturize and exfoliate to get rid of the dead skin. But this is also helping with the scars . I hope the results continue!
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 13, 2008

Pros:

My skin is less oily, no new blackheads plus fewer cysts (the ones I have now are not as big and painful as before), water weight loss

Cons:

frequent bathroom trips (including middle of the night), leg cramps

I have only been on this for 2 weeks (100 mg 1x day) but am already starting to notice a difference in my skin. My doctor prescribed this along w/microgestin to clear up acne and excess facial hair caused by polycystic ovary syndrome so I am happy to see that others have noticed a reduction in hairiness. :-) I'm 39 and had acne as a teen that cleared up in my 20s and has gradually gotten worse again over the past year. It had gotten to the point where my jaw and chin were continually covered in raw painful, embarrassing cysts. My derm. told me that I might not see a significant improvement for the first two months but I am happy with the results after just 2 weeks. My skin isn't completely clear yet, but it's still early days and I'm glad to see that so many people have had great results with this medication.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 93 94 95 96 97 … 117
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website