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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August 13, 2011

Pros:

practically sucked my zits back into my skin, brightened my complection, and increased my skin confidence, made me less greasy

Cons:

dried my skin out a little, had to plan meals around pill, big pill,

I love this! It has made my skin really nice and clear! I don't know about the other people, but they should have had other creams prescribed with the Tetracycoline, and YOU HAVE TO WASH YOUR FACE WHILE TAKING THIS!!!!!!!!! It isn't a magic pill! The laws of physics still apply to this pill! You dermatologist doen't get his supplies from the guy who sold Jack his magic beanstalk beans! You still have to wash you face with whatever is recommended by your dermatologist, and keep your face clean! I don't know about you other guys, but I was still thorough with my skin care regeime, and I saw results. So bottom bottom line; THIS ISN'T A MAGIC PILL! WASH YOUR FACE REGULARLY, AND RESULTS SHOULD APPEAR!!!!
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August 12, 2011

Pros:

Clear Skin
Cheap

Cons:

You have to plan meals around it.

This was my lifesaver. I was 14 when acne struck me and it struck me hard. I had tried EVERY topical solution imagainable. Eventually after about eight months I gave in and went to a dermotologist and got a tetracycline and epiduo. I take 250 mg twice a day and use epidou at night. It takes about 2 months for it to completely get rid of your acne. Since it is not a cure, you will get a breakout everynow and then but they go away much sooner. Unfournutaly since my acne got so bad, i have some hyperpigmentation but other than those spots, i have NO acne whatsoever. I never experianced upset stomach or teeth yellowing but everyone is different. I highly reccomend this product as it really changes your skin completely. Im 15 now and my skin and self confidence couldnt be better. (:
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March 17, 2011

Pros:

Did clear all my facial and body acne within 3 months

Cons:

acne will come back after you stop using this (although it kept me clear for about 7-8 months after i stoped)

i would recommend this for teenage acne or possibly something to use while you start holistic treatment maybe, wish i didn't become immune secound time round though, hopefully my new pills will work the same an i eventually grow out of this horrible condition (im 22)
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January 5, 2011

Pros:

I took a 600 mg dosage, which is pretty high - thus, it completely cleared my skin in three weeks. Works really well and doesn't cause redness. Makes your skin look better as a whole. Used it with Epiduo.

Cons:

It is extremely upsetting to the stomach, and may cause nausea and vomitting. I took it with pantoprazole 40 mg, because I have gastritis.

It works, especially if you take higher doses.
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June 11, 2010

Pros:

+clear my acne within weeks

Cons:

-sun sensitivity
-i became immune i guess

i have had moderate/mederately severve ance since 6th grade. My mom told me that when she was my age everybody took this drug for their acne. I went on it and within a few weeks my skin was looking better and was healing. This was in Septemer. By the time June came, my doctor wanted to take me off because I'm still in high school and "irresponsible" with sunblock. My skin kept on looking fabulous until mid-August (maybe i got stressed because I didn't do my summer reading), but I broke out again. I decided to go back on this "miracle drug" for the winter but it had no effect anymore : ( I have tried a few other antibiotics since and none have worked like Tetracycline
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May 25, 2010

Pros:

New spots stop developing within first few days, clear skin within 1-2 weeks

Cons:

Non so far, although I have been taking the medication for 12 months and have tried to break off a few times, my skin flares up again almost instantly, recently been off for two weeks and had the worse breakout I've had in years (hence me joining Acne.Org) got another 8 week perscription last week and skin reacting well. Want to try the regime though as I'm aware that long term use of antibiotics is not recommended so gunna build the regime up over the next few weeks.

Tetracycline has worked really well for me from the start, I have suffered with acne on and off for 15 years (now 34) the only time my skin has ever been really clear has been during my two recent pregnancies, tried tetra for the first time 12 months ago after nothing else seemed to work and it's been a miracle. I am a little concerened about the long term effects of taking antibiotics which is why I am going to start the regime whilst taking the antibiotics, my skin has always been really sensitive to benzoyl peroxide but I'm hoping that I can build up the usage slowly over the next 8 weeks and come of the antibiotics for good...fingers crossed. Also not sure why a lot of you are advising that this medication can not be taken with food? I live in the UK and no such instruction is given within the leaflet that comes with the medication, I take one tablet at breakfast time 5 mins before I eat and it works fine? Maybe it's a different form of antibiotic that is provided in the US?
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March 18, 2010

Pros:

Cleared me up IMMEDIATELY! The type of acne I get comes in dozens and dozens of tiny pustules; I knew topical medications were doing nothing for me. I think it was mostly inflammation that was affecting me, because within days of a huge breakout, I took it for the first time, and I woke up with my skin still slightly inflamed, but smooth and irritation-free!

Cons:

Fitting it in; you have to take it 2 hours after eating or an hour before. And you can't lie down within a half hour of taking it.

Awesome stuff! Try it just to see if it works for you. This is the ONLY stuff that works for me.
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March 12, 2010

Pros:

Worked quickly, inexpensive

Cons:

planning meals around it

I have been on tetracycline for about three weeks now. Within the first week my acne was gone. I wake up everyday with clear skin... acne usually flares during pre- menstrual cycle, luckily i only had a couple pimples that cleared overnight. Body acne cleared as well. I take 250 mg 2x a day. Hoping i dont become immune to it. Be careful mixing it with other antibiotics, can cause severe GI issues.
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February 7, 2010

Pros:

- Clears acne
- No inital breakout
- Healthy looking skin

Cons:

- Typical side effects of anti-biotic!
- Skin sensivity in the sun
- Doesnt clear blackheads

I have been on Tetracycline for many years now & this had been the ONLY thing that has worked for me. I have tried EVERYTHING! I have tried every topical treatment under the sun, as well as ProActiv & Dr. Murad. Nothing topical has given me any help or relief, aside from RetinA. My derm told me I needed somethign systemic so he prescibed Tetracyline. It works great, just doesnt clear blackheads. It does take about a month or 2 to fully get into your system & start clearing your acne. Nothing that really works, works overnight. Take it for 2-3 months & if skin still isnt clear go back to your derm. But give it time & you will be so glad you did. My skin looks great now & I have Tetracyline & retinA to thank!!
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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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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.
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Be sure to:

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  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

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  • 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.
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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.
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