Tetracycline
Results
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%
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34.1%
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23.4%
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15.9%
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11.4%

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June 5, 2009

Pros:

I took the pills for about three months, along with tretinoin cream. I was surprised by how quickly my acne improved. I was very impressed. I experienced no side effects.

Cons:

I stopped taking the pills for about two months and decided to start taking them again. I found that my acne had worsened. My cheeks are red and they feel/look almost like I have a rash. I'm not sure what to do. I'm frustrated.

It's hard to say whether or not I would recommend this product. As I mentioned before, I saw great results. I'm just disappointed that I am no longer seeing the same results. I read the other comments on here, and I had no idea that if you stop taking the pills and then start taking them again, that it can make acne worse. Bottom line, this product may work better for some rather than others.
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May 21, 2009

Pros:

skin cleared up really well :)
i found it easy fitting in to my eating habits

Cons:

did not clear up scars but there are other creams great for that!!
a breakout will occur now and then but never as bad as before.

i got this medicine prescribed free from my doctors after i went to see him reeguarding my light acne which was bringing my self esteem down rather low :( i have now been on the medicine for about 6 months now and do see a great improvement, i still get the odd breakouts but they clear within days!! I didnt suffer from any side effects apart from throughout the course i would have the odd nausea feeling of sickness, to stop this from happening drink a glass of water after you take the tablets. After reading some comments i am worried about coming off the medicine!!
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April 30, 2009

Pros:

it doesn't clear my skin too much but my pimples reduced

Cons:

i have hair fall becoz of this and stomach aches

it worked good for mild acne but i have moderate acne. acne comes up again after the course
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April 29, 2009

Pros:

made my acne moderately clearer

Cons:

I still get breakouts and my face is rarely perfectly clear

i've been on this pill longe enough to almost be an expert! sure it cleared up my skin mostly but with the coooperation of keeping my hands off my face and using harsh creams that were bad for my skin (think red, dry, and raw feeling, is burned to wash). in the winter when my skin is particularly dry the pill and the MILDEST cream my doctor put me on still yeild flaking dry skin, no matter how much i moisturize after with a non comedogenic moisturizer. You may see results short term but it doesn't ever clear you completely
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April 17, 2009

Pros:

It has worked better than any medication I have tried so far.

Cons:

Still have breakouts at times, which really make me feel low. But without it I have even worse breakouts so Im sticking with it for now. I have to remain on this medication for 6 months before my doctor can tell if it is working for me...Long!

I am using Tetralysal 300 and also use Retin-A Cream. The combination is ok so far, but not fantastic. I find that I still get spots, fewer than before though. Annoyingly my skin scars very badly, so the few spots that I continue to get never let my skin get back to scar free and normal. I have another two or three months left before my doctor will let me try another medication or a stronger dose. It is worth a try for anyone with mild to moderate acne.
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

Skin felt smoother, and was not as red

Cons:

Stomach sickness, not much improvement in the amount of acne.

It's worth a shot! Try it, if you have inflamed acne it could help.
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March 8, 2009

Pros:

Gives you the chance to drink water why taking them

Cons:

Everything, nothing happened at all.

Antibiotics dont work on acne, i spend 6 months on these to recieve no improvement at all
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February 5, 2009

Pros:

Worked quite quickly. I saw an improvement after a couple of weeks. Even the Dr was impressed!

Cons:

When my dose was reduced to one tablet a day it seemed to stop working. I got slight breakouts and after a few months i seemed to be completely immune to it. the acne has got worse than before.

It's good as a bit of respite from the acne but i did get lulled into a false sense of security after initially seeing how effective it was. I've recently changed Drs and he isn't even contemplating giving me another dose of this as is simply doesn't work for some people.
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December 24, 2008

Pros:

For me none, but my cousin went on it and it really helped her so i guess its partly luck . . .

Cons:

as you have to take it two hours after eating then eat two hours after taking it it was a pain up the a**e to organise, also you can't take vitamin/mineral pills with it so i had to stop taking my calcium and zinc tablets :(

As soon as i stopped taking it all my spots came back even worse than before, can't comment on afordability as i got it on the NHS. I didn't get any side affects.
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December 16, 2008

Pros:

Did a better job than minocycline. Better price for a month's supply ($4) vs. minocycline ($325)!!!!

Cons:

Long term use affects the immune system.

Added Saccharomyces boulardii (9 billion CPU) and Acidophilus (1 billion CPU)--- one of each once a day. Within two days, no more oily skin, no pustules or blackheads and deep-tissue zits are less painful. Hoping to wean off tetracycline and increase above probiotics. Google acidolphilus and acne and you'll be amazed! Why doctors don't recommend these as a treatment is the million-dollar question. Acidophilus and probiotic bacteria produce bacteriocins that are natural antibiotics that kill undesirable microorganisms.
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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