Tetracycline
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Side Effects

Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic that works by systemically fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation.

Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic that works by systemically fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation.

It is normally prescribed at a dose of 300 mg once or twice a day. The dose is often reduced once acne is notably improved.

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15.2%
4
34.1%
3
23.4%
2
15.9%
1
11.4%

Used Tetracycline? Rate It:

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November 19, 2009

Pros:

Helped improve acne condition the first time I took it. I saw results after about week 3. It really helped my skin. I was on it for about 9 months.

Cons:

My doctor thought I was done with acne so she took me off of it. I broke out again within a month and haven't stopped breaking out since. I recently went back on it and have seen no results after week 5.

I also started Yaz a week ago and today I will be stopping tetracycline and switching to doxycycline. I hope that helps and I dont have a resistance to the -cycline family of drugs. Good luck everyone! Remember each body will react differently to each medication or treatment. So try be patient and take other peoples reviews and feedback with a grain of salt. :)
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November 13, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my acne completely when I was on it- it was fabulous

Cons:

Didn't like taking 2 pills per day- stopped taking the pills- and my acne came back within 4 months BUT THEN I started getting yeast infection after yeast infection because my body was not producing enough good bacteria after being on antibiotics.

Worked perfectly- but I personally don't like relying on an antibiotic and it really messed up my internal balance of bacteria once off of it.
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November 10, 2009

Pros:

Starts to work the same day I begin taking the medication.
No side effects noticed.

Cons:

I start breaking out as soon as I stop taking the medication.
Planning meals in between doses is a pain.

Basicly the reason I love this medication is if I know I have an event I will be attending in the near future, I would start taking the medication within 5 days of that date(so the old acne goes away) and with the pills I am garanteed to get no new pimples and have a clear face the day of the event and thereafter till I stop taking the doses. I've been on and off this medication about 4 times within one year. It works when I take it, and it doesn't when i don't.
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November 4, 2009

Pros:

Cheap on NHS prescription.

Cons:

Didn't make any real impact after 3 months.

Started using this back in the summer. Used it everyday for 3 months, never made any real impact on my skin. Went back to the doctor and she put me on doxycycline which worked better, now on my second course of doxycycline now along with Duac once daily gel.
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October 23, 2009

Pros:

Cheap and worked well to being with.

Cons:

After a while the tablets have no effect on my skin. Plus you can't eat an hour before or after taking them!

Worked quite well to start of with, then I guess I have become immune as now has no effect on my skin and the acne has returned to how it was before the treatment began!
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October 19, 2009

Pros:

...there aren't any

Cons:

no improvement, even after 2 months

my doctor gave me the prescription for these a little over two months ago and it's as if im not on them at all, i haven't seen any improvement! i'll have to go back to my doctor soon and try get a prescription for something else.
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October 18, 2009

Pros:

After week 2 I started see some affects.

Cons:

Only worked for about a week and then stopped. Couldnt eat 3 hours before or after I took it.

This stuff didnt work too well for me. Now Im on minocycline (cousin to tetracycline) and its a one a day medication that I like.
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October 17, 2009

Pros:

i just got his acne medication today and i really hope it works for me had acne since i was 12 and 2day was my 1st time 2 a dernatoligist im now `17 , im glad i dnt have 2 eat i need 2 loose weight

i hope it works 4 me & evreyone else as well "god help this medication to help us , and heal our acne and scars" amen.
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October 13, 2009

Pros:

Improvements shown within 3 weeks!!
Didn't react in any way with the alcohol I have had on ocasion
No side effects

Cons:

None

I got these free on the NHS in the UK as I am under 16, and they are brilliant.. Worked absolute wonders. The doctor said that it should take 8 weeks for the signs to start showing and they started showing after only 3 weeks.. Brilliant! I really recommend it
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October 10, 2009

Pros:

Worked wonders the first 4 weeks of use

Cons:

Acne got really bad while i was on the them, and later I broke out into hives, and ever since have developed cystic acne.

Tetracycline was probably the worst thing I ever did to myself. It has honestly ruined my life. I had two small pimples when I first started taking them, and now it is a complete 180 degree turn. It worked really well the first four weeks, and later I started breaking out on my forehead and nose - two places I have never broken out! I later broke out into hives, and ever since I have been breaking out nonstop!! The past three months have been horrific. My entire face is covered with blemishes, and now I get large, painful pimples that don't respond to anything. I have not seen my face in this condition since I was a teenager. My face is really dry as well. Please be cautious when taking this medication and think it through if you really want it. I wish I never made that trip to the dermatologist. My life has turned upside down. Do not take it, please!!
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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.
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