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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1
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August 8, 2009

Pros:

It does work, takes achne away

Cons:

It takes a long time. You need to start out taking 3-4 pills a day.
Drink plenty of water and exercise.

Taking this pill does work, but you plan your day around it. If you really need it, then take it, otherwise it will mess up your immune system and you'll notice it when you start to get sick. The best thing i found was getting a sun tan, and it helped a lot. Be prepared though, you need to take it for a long time. If you miss a day or two you'll notice it come back. If you're under the age of 21, you'll be taking this medicine for twice as long as some over 21. Also, your immune system can build up resistance to it causing you to require a stronger medication.
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August 5, 2009

Pros:

My skin wasn't that bad, i only had one section on my cheek that had blemishes. Within a few weeks it helped to reduce reddness and size.

Cons:

My face did not clear up completly. And i did not reach my goal of being able to choose bewtween wearing makeup or not. Also I started the product over the summer and being outside even with sunscreen and a protective hat,it worrsened my face.

Give it a chance because everyone's skin is different. I have heard different stories about this but really it reacts differently for different people. It is better used with a topical cream so that it works more effectivaly. And it might not clear it completley but it will make a difference for the better. Also i've only been using it for a few weeks so in a few months it's possible that my face could clear up completly.
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August 4, 2009

Pros:

It clears up acne while your on it

Cons:

No dairy for a few hours before and after taking it, if you go off it it'll make skin worse, hurts the stomach

I was on tetracycline for about a year before i had to come off it because it made me lose so much weight and I was becoming resistant to antibiotics in general. It's great for a temporary solution, but unfortunately when I came off of it again after a few months my acne went from being mild/moderate to severe when I went away to college and practically impossible to control since.
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August 4, 2009

Pros:

Worked within a few weeks - I dont get any big spots now - just a few small pimples which are soo easy to handle and very often none at all.

Cons:

Now that the spots are gone I am stressing about the scars when I never used to notice them much before - feel like I still am unhappy but the scars will fade and it is so much better than being the way I was! Can make tongue yellow.

Try it. It really is a wonder drug. The only problem is it makes your teeth and tongue yellow sometimes - but this is just because the tablets are dyed yellow - if you brush your teeth and tongue twice a day you will be fine! I can recomment this enough - it has given me freedom and confidence. I can go anywhere - swimming, weekends away, everything I used to avoid - I can live and I honestly thought I would never do that! What have you got to lose? Just try it and see !!!
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July 23, 2009

Pros:

Less severe side-effects than other treatments, such as Accutane (which I am currently on)

Cons:

This medicine upset my stomach, caused me to feel VERY sick when in the heat (cramping, nausea, etc.) and, ultimately, gave me the worst acid reflux imaginable. I know my experience is atypical, but it did no good, only harm. My acne stayed.

It caused much more problems for me that it was worth, and ultimately I was put on Accutane- which is more dangerous, but has not given me painful side effects.
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July 22, 2009

Pros:

made zits smaller

Cons:

after a month all of the zits came back even in places on my face i never had them before

its an ok drug but once you stop using it your zits will return with vengeance
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

works quickly, no sides, cheap

Cons:

ideally have to take on an empty stomach to be most effective, eventual resistance.

very effective against moderate acne vulgaris, good while it lasted.
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

Worked incredibly well the first time I used it for 2 months before running out...

Cons:

When I went back on it for 4 months after a 2 month absence it completely ruined my face...never had skin as bad as it is now :(

Great the first time you use it, but you can quickly build up a resistance to it (I did at least) and then it adversely effects your skin...also if you stop using it it could go either way: your skin could stay better, but it could also go back to how it was before...complete gamble.
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

After first use I showed immediate results. After persistent use, I rarely have flare ups.

Cons:

When I stopped using it for a few days, I had an bad break out, however, a few days of tetracycline cleared it up.

It's a pretty good medication for keeping acne at bay. However, I would use it in conjunction with the Regime to ensure full acne prevention.
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July 20, 2009

Pros:

It does clear it up eventually and helps your back and chest too, because those spots are harder to get with just a topical.

Cons:

It is hard to take 2 hours away from any dairy. MUST use spf when in the sun. If you miss a couple days, you may experience large painful zits, that take a few days to go away.

I would recomend it in combination with something topical.
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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