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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2
15.9%
1
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February 16, 2007

Pros:

Worked quite well for about five months.

Cons:

No food/dairy!

I took tetracyclen for only a month, back in September and durring the month I saw no results, but about a month after all my cystic acne on the sides of my face went away. I originally asked for tri-cyclen, the birth control, but the doctor misheard me and prescriped me tetracyclen? Anyways, My acne went away for about four months but came back... Only on my chin though, I hardly get acne on the sides of my face anymore, except when I do it's still cystic. But give it a try if you want, but I wouldn't recomment staying on it for a long period of time because it's not too good for you since it's killing all bacteria!
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February 16, 2007

Pros:

It might be helping a little. I would classify my acne as moderate.

Cons:

It gives me hiccups and early on gave me heartburn and stomachache. The stomach problems are not as frequent now after 3 weeks. I got a yeast infection, though. I hate taking antibiotics for infection that is not serious. Overuse is bad.

I never had acne before and at age 28 I got hit with an outbreak. It may have been a reaction to high stress. I'm on 500mg twice per day along with glycol pads and benzaclin. I'm not sure if etracycline is really doing anything. My spots were starting to fade from topical treatment before I started taking it, and I have developed a few new blemishes since I started taking it. I know it takes time but once I stop taking it, who knows what will happen. We can't stay on antibiotics forever, and trying to take it on an empty stomach and with no dairy and more than an hour befoe bedtime is a pain!
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January 25, 2007

Pros:

I have used this before and it was really good, it cleared my face but not my back.

Cons:

I am taking it again mainly for the acne on back and now i feel drowsey and have head aches , i also find i have hik-ups a lot more often as well. I just don't feel myself.

It's a good product to use, it works for some not others. It's better if you have the day and night cream as well. Different people have different side effects.
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January 16, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my face a small amount but no luck on the back.

Cons:

I sunburned SO badly! This was during the winter months and even used sunscreen. I looked a horrible burned mess with flaky skin for my wedding.

I will Never use this again or any of the cycline products! For the small amount of clearing, it wasn't worth it.
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January 13, 2007

Pros:

Tetra. combined with the clear skin regimen cleared persistent moderate acne in a little over two weeks.

Cons:

It is a hassle to have to take it on an empty stomach. However, i dont know what's wrong w/ those people who are having stomach problems.

Used the clears skin regimen for 3 and 1/2 months before taking tetra. I am convinced that the CSR will not work alone. Received tetra a little over two weeks ago. 500mg (250mg did not work for me) twice a day along w/ CSR cleared my skin very quickly. Rememeber to not lie down for half an hour after taking the pill. I would recommend this to anyone w/ mild to moderate acne.
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January 6, 2007

Pros:

Tetralysal ( Lymecycline) is a good one, don't need to take on empty stomach

Cons:

Darkened my teeth! and also my skin...I thought this would be a great side effect if it looked like a tan but it my skin looks almost a dirty grey on it

This is my morning skin routine; 1; 2 glasses of water first thing every morning with a dash of lemon with the tetralysal tablet 2. Green people organic face wash 3. Panoxyl ( 2.5 % benzoyl peroxide) 4. Liz Earle Organic face cream with spf 15 5. Boots no 5 concealer in cream form 6. Smile, go out and face the world and pretend I have great skin This is my night skin routine; 1. Wash as above 2. Differin cream 3. Dream about great skin!
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January 6, 2007

Pros:

Been taking 2000mg a day for 2weeks. Cleared up my cystic acne. Now Im just left with red spots. Taking tetracycline with RetinA and clindamycin.

Cons:

The only problem I have is my stomach. Been getting stomach pains and nausea.

When I was 19 I developed severe cystic acne.Went to the dermatologist and was prescribed erythromycin(oral and Topical) with retinA. Face cleared in 6 months.3 to clear the acne 3 to clear and peel the red spots.Face was completely clear. Stayed on the erythromycin for 6 more months.Face stayed clear except for the occasional pimple but no severe breakouts. Now Im 32 and developed severe cystic acne again.Im now immune to erythromycin so I was prescribed tetracyline and in two weeks my cysts are completely gone.Im taking 2000mg a day for one more week than I will be taking 1000mg a day.
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December 22, 2006

Pros:

works great,comepletly clear skin on 500mg 2x a day.250mg 2x works ok not as good.used for 2 years and no breakouts minor pimples here and there.skin still looked oily but clear.also used 5% benzoyl and retin-A in 2 years.

Cons:

I did not notice any at all except the fact that you may get pimples once in awhile after taking it for more than a year.TIP-if you clear after 6 months only take once a day or every other day even if ur doc tells you every day.wont get immune

great at 500mg 2x a day,dont take all the time after 6 months if your cleared up.if you notice a pimple coming then pop a pill and it will go away before it forms.
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December 18, 2006

Pros:

I havent suffered any side effects whatsoever and have been very interested to read that a lot of you guys have had major stomach probs with this antibiotic. I feel fine... although it hasnt cleared up my acne, been taking it 6 weeks and no change.

Cons:

None yet but I WILL PERSEVERE!! Just wondering though... I take my tablet approx 20 mins before or after I have breakfast. Does anyone think this is the reason it may not be working?

Im going to try it for another few months and see what happens. My acne consists of large red cyst type lumps on my cheeks only and I've been suffering for almost 18 months now. Its making me so down and I'm almost at the point where I'd try anything. I'm a grown girl and shouldnt be getting huge red spots at the age of 26... ITS NOT RIGHT!! But I'm on a mission to find whats right for me. I've tried OTCM, Dianetts, lots of topical lotions... I find Benzoyl Peroxide makes my skin soooo dry and flaky but again, I persist. Perhaps my nect step will be Roaccutane.
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December 7, 2006
been using it for about 2 weeks and i'm see any improvement at all. its even starting to get worse.
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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.
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