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
May 6, 2008

Pros:

Less oil production and clear skin!

Cons:

Frequent urination at night.

I've been taking this drug for about a month now at 100 mg a day and have already seen great results. My skin is a lot clearer and I haven't had a cystic acne since my start date. My only complaint is that I've been peeing a lot more frequently at night, which can be annoying for obvious reasons. My Dr. told me that I should see significant results within 3 months. I can't wait!!
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April 29, 2008

Pros:

perfectly clear skin, no oiliness at all

Cons:

almost nonexistent periods on a shortend cycle, severe breast tenderness for about half the month

I am 44 years old and developed acne in my early 30's (after having 3 children). By the time I was 38 it was severe cystic acne. It was painful and SO embarassing. My self-esteem was in the gutter. I highly reccommend this med for older women with cystic acne.
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April 24, 2008

Pros:

No more acne. A bit of weight loss most likely water.

Cons:

Shorter menstrual periods, vaginal dryness.

I was put on this medication 2 years ago for hormonal cystic acne. I take 100mg per day. It worked very well for the first year. I hardly ever had a break out and if I did it was very manageable. It seems now though that my body has gotten used to the medication and I may need more as I am beginning to break out again. What I dont like about these meds is that I get my period every 21 days. Also, I do not know if there are long term effects from taking it. I do know however, that for a while this medication saved my self esteem and my life as dealing with cystic acne is horrible.
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April 6, 2008

Pros:

Less oily

Cons:

Dizzy, tired (especially tired after I workout - more tired than I got before I started medicine), really dry skin and lips, super thirsty, random pimples in places on my face that I have never had pimples

Well, I have only been on this medicine for a few weeks. I have pretty much taken everything for my skin - ProActive, multiple topical medicines and pills, including Accutane (TWICE!!) and really nothing has worked. I am 20 years old and I have had bad acne since I was about 11 or 12. I'm pretty desperate and I am really hoping that I see a difference with this medicine. I have only been on it for a short period of time, so I am going to keep on trucking. I have read all of these reviews, and from what I've read everyone raves about this medicine, so I really hope this works for me! I feel like this is my last chance! How long before you all started to see a difference?? And is 50mg 2x a day a good dosage?
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April 3, 2008

Pros:

Works great for my skin.

Cons:

Mild thirst in mornings.

After reading all these reviews I was terrified that this medication would make me react horribly. But surprisingly, I have had no side effects, I don't even urinate more than I usually do! I have tried everything from clean and clear all the way up to antibiotics both topical and internal. I have used Differen, Clindigel, and Glycogen but nothing has worked quite as well as spiro has for me. Normally I will break out really bad right before my period but this time around, only one little zit came up that disappeared in a day or so. I have felt several little cystic ones attempt to come up since but none have become that nasty painful bump on the surface, they just disappear! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a milder solution than accutain as i was. It works very well. Good luck everyone. I hope this helps. And sorry i do not know how much it costs because my mom paid for it for me.
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April 2, 2008

Pros:

At 40 some years old, my face feels like it was when I was a child--smooth and nice. I have scars, though. I have had problems since age 13 and only now feel as if I have found the solution. Much less oil. No zits.

Cons:

Only a little bit of headache and dizziness the first two weeks, but none now after my body has adjusted. Stick with it. Drink lots of water, especially at first.

It is worth asking for. My dermatologist wanted me to try Accutane (I don't have bad acne, just extremely oily skin.) My teenage daugher is taking Accutane now and it is such a hassle with the HCG and other blood tests she has to go through each month. I asked him if he would prescribe spiro for me, and he said "sure." I can't believe it is working so well. Wish I had known about this years go. It would have saved me a lot of heartache and embarrassment.
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February 24, 2008

Pros:

Clearer more beautiful skin!!

Cons:

urinating more frequently, couple of headaches.

I have only been on this medication for 3 weeks and I have already seen an imporovement. I'm on 25mg and I go in a week to get a stronger dose (50mg). I'm also currently using retin-A, and finecia. The combination of all 3 and cleansing my face every morning and night seems to really be helping. I do have old acne scars on my face and I'm looking into microdermabrasion! I even bought bare minerals (make-up) as a treat when I complete this process of clearer skin! I can't wait for this summer to have beautiful skin and not coat my face in make-up to hide myself!
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February 21, 2008

Pros:

It worked for me when nothing else did. Cleared up my face, chest and back acne and drastically reduced the oiliness of my skin. This is better than anything I've ever taken for my acne.

Cons:

I urinate a little more than usual.

Nothing has worked for my like this! I had TERRIBLE acne on my face and back and this is the only thing that got rid of it. I still get the occasional breakout during that time of the month but it is completely tolerable. In response to ANRsays, I am also on Yaz and yes, if you take Spiro and Yaz together for a few months, you will have great skin!!!!!!!
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February 2, 2008

Pros:

helps to clear skin

Cons:

very sleepy and tired

I just began the Spiro about a week now, my dermatologist gave it to me to take with my birth control(Yaz)- it's my last resort for my sudden and painful breakouts. He said that Spiro works in conjunection with the Yaz- in the amount of hormones- Progesterone v. Estrogen. So, far my face is already clearing up, I'm not sure if it's the Yaz or Spiro causing me to be so tired and making me super sensative (i.e- crying).
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February 1, 2008

Pros:

decreased oil production and improved overall clarity and texture of skin

Cons:

after two weeks I developed more cystic acne on my chin, cheecks and upper area of my neck.

I have suffered with mild to moderate acne since the age of 12 and have always had very oily skin. However, I have always been able to control my breakouts with over the counter topical solutions and a consistent skin regimen. I turned 29 and that is when the problem began. I tried proactiv, murad, and monthly deep cleansing facials to no avail. My derm said that I was suffering from hormonal acne. I tried proactiv and murad to no avail. I am now taking 50 mg/day of spiro, tazorac pm, and sulfacetimide am and I am so impressed with the results. Although, I have not completely healed, people are beginning to notice the improvement. Thats a plus in my book!
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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.

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.