Acne.org Products
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:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 10, 2010
Cons:
Fatigue initial 3 weeks
Dehydration
Light-headed
Large pill to consume
This is a product with the potential to eliminate cystic hormonal acne breakouts (which I have, I am 26 and have had adult-onset acne since I was 22) The pill is large, be sure to take it with lots of water, and consume water throughout the day/night. I am not completely clear, however, I also have just recently gone back on the pill about 5 weeks ago. Originally I had been on it two years, and it cleared all my jawline acne and cysts, i still have minor breakouts. I am currently still having breakouts, however not as many cysts, mainly around my mouth and chin. I RECOMMEND this product for anyone with hormonal acne. It is truly a very effective product for many, including myself. I wish you luck.
July 4, 2010
Pros:
Cheap, effective on hormonal acne, minimal side effects (for me)
Cons:
Potassium levels can change so you have to get checked
This drug worked on my hormonal acne (I'm 26F). It took about four months to see a real change, but it does seem to work. I'm 99.9% clear now with this and the addition of antibiotics and Finacea. I haven't felt much of the side effects that happen on this drug. I was worried about feeling lethargic but I barely notice a change in my energy levels. I do hate getting blood taken though, and you have to get regular tests for K levels.
December 30, 2009
Pros:
Clearer and smoother skin.
Decreased hair growth.
Shorter, lighter periods.
Cons:
Unquenchable thirst.
Some dizziness, probably due to lower blood pressure.
I've had very bad acne since I was 12, and have been on every topical and a few pills. Nothing has worked like the combo of birth control and spiro! I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to get a hold of these meds. I'd definitely save myself a lot of grief and scarring. My skin has never felt so soft.
The thirstiness definitely takes some getting used to, but I can deal with it for the pros.
The dizziness was only a problem when I was sick and already a bit light headed.
I would definitely recommend Spiro if more common treatments haven't worked for you.
February 12, 2012
Pros:
It works. Little to no side effects. Inexpensive. Easy to take.
Cons:
After 6 months of use, my testosterone levels are slightly low.
This eradicated my severe, painful cystic acne. I had the worst acne I had ever experienced. I went of the Pill and within two months my skin became oilier and went from flawless to acne prone and worsened to full blown crippling acne. I am no stranger to acne and had taken acutane for a case much less severe than the one discussed here. It worked brilliantly while on it, but the acne came back worse a few months after stopping it and I found clear skin again while still on the pill by using Cosmedix brand facial care and seeing a Cosmedix trained esthetician. As I mentioned before, my serious problem began after stopping the pill. The spironolactone was suggested as a last ditch effort after trying antibiotics, Retin-A and when my derm found out my insurance didn't cover Rx. Within a few weeks after taking it the oiliness was markedly less and the acne was finally healing. I haven't had a pimple at all since September with this medication. I don't have Rx coverage and I signed up for the Walgreen's Rx plan, which is a $30 anual fee, and my Spiro is $10 a month, very affordable. I use no topical medications as they aren't necessary anymore. I weigh 120 lbs and am 29 5' 7" and I take 50mg in the morning and again at night. Aside from the slight drop in testosterone, which is keeping the acne away, I have had no side effects whatsoever except clear skin. If you are female and having cysts and horrible jawline/cheek acne, I urge you to try this. This has worked incredibly well for me. I wish I had found it sooner. I could've avoided some scarring. Luckily, I have very little compared to how severe my case was. As I plan on starting a family in a few years, I will need to stop this medication at some point. I am currently stepping down to a half tablet at night to slowly step down my dose and see if I stay clear. I haven't gone back to hormonal BC and chose a copper IUD instead to avoid this problem again in the future if possible. Good luck!
November 3, 2011
Pros:
more effective than antibiotics and any other acne treatment that dermatologist would suggest for those of us with acne. i highly recommend using this b/c it has very little side effects (it's a dieuretic sp?)
Cons:
frequent urination
I have suffered with acne my entire adult life (i am 43 y.o.). I believe dermatologist are treating the symptom w/o treating the cause. they often prescribe antibiotics and topical creams but acne is caused by hormone imbalance. Simply put acne can be treated with birth control pills and aldactone. I always feel so bad for people with severe acne b/c it doesn't have to be that way!
July 22, 2011
Pros:
Four months in and It is definitely helping considerably.
Cons:
I like to exercise and I have a real problem with nausea, feeling of muscle weakness and occasional dizziness linked to this Rx. I am also menstruating every 2-3 weeks now which is not a great side effect - though worth it to me.
Have had acne my entire adult life - over 20 years. Have used almost every Rx there is. Most worked for 2-3 months and then acne became resistant. Accutane worked well while on it, but within a few months after ending treatment acne flared again. I tried Spironolactone years ago with no luck. But current Dr. suggested try again and said may not have had high enough doasge.
Am on 50mg/2x per day. Is working well for my skin, but as noted in cons, it's making my regular exercise more difficult. I am also sweating much more when I exercise than I used to...?!
July 10, 2011
Pros:
Got rid of 100% of my acne and I have had stubborn acne since I was 12, I'm 20 now.
Cons:
-Vaginal dryness
-Nocturia
-Took almost 5 months to work
Overall, great pill.
Just be sure to get your electrolytes checked to check if your potassium is within normal limits. This pill can increase potassium in the body which can lead to cardiac problems.
August 16, 2010
Pros:
clears up skin, no more cysts, weight loss, cheap
Cons:
dehydration, no period
I've been on spironolactone for about 1.5 years and absolutely love it! I tried everything but accutane, and this was the one product that worked. It does make you more vulnerable to dehydration, but you become used to just drinking more water. Another issue is that I don't get my period, which my doctors were concerned about. I had blood tests done though and everything was fine. I went on the pill to start getting my period again but it made my skin worse (tried both Yaz and Ortho-Tri-Cyclen) so I have now stopped it. I continue to take 75mg of spironolactone a day. Topically I am now using adapalene (differin) to get rid of scars and aczone for redness. DON'T USE EPIDUO! Everyone may react differently but myself and my friend both got rashes, extreme dry skin and burning sensations from epiduo. One last recommendation for people who get cysts- as soon as you feel it forming apply the Proactiv Sulfur Mask onto it and let it sit overnight, and continue to use it until the cyst is gone. The stuff works miracles on the cysts and decreases the swelling.
May 22, 2010
Pros:
Less oily skin, smoother skin, less oily hair, body hair softer (grows slower), feel happier
Cons:
NONE.
I LOVE this product. Thus far, I've been taking it for almost 3 months, and I've seen awesome results. I still get smaller pimples along the jaw line, but I suspect those will diminish more with time (after my last derma appointment, this is what he told me). Altogether, I don't feel as worried about my face regimen...I actually use moistuizers and non-acne related products to clean my face...which I've never done. I had mild acne...not severe or too bad...but at times was a annoying, esp. more recently. as a 27 year old, I thought I should have clear skin, which wasnt the case until spiro. I tried BC, Taz, and Doxy, and none worked liked Spiro. Now, I'm only taking Spiro. Also, the biggest bonus for me is that i used to get pimples on my back, and now theyre almost completely diminished...just working on the scarring to heal. I am SOOSOSOSOSO happy with this....have read lots of reviews,...and believe there are better things to come!!
April 29, 2010
Pros:
decreased facial hair, clear skin!
Cons:
constipation, irregular periods
I did not see effects from this drug while on 25-100mg/day. I still got multiple huge painful cysts on my chin and mouth area...but after 4 months my doctor boosted me to 200mg/day (100mg twice a day) and about a month after that, I seriously have not had ANY cysts for a full month now! This is after having 1-6 at a time on my face constantly for the past 7 months...I am very happy with my skin, but also along with the 200mg dose I have had issues with constipation and have had irregular periods for the the first time in my life :( This is frustrating, but at this point I am willing to put up with that for the clear skin!
Pros:
Reduces sebum production
Evens skin tone
Reduces redness and blotchiness
Reduction in severity of breakouts
Complete elimination of nodular jawline breakouts
Loss of weight