Tetracycline
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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
11.4%

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May 2, 2009

Pros:

Cheap,It works better than minocycline, and thats not saying much

Cons:

Well, I've been using this for a year, and its really annoying to have to take it two hours after meals or 1 hour before. It doesn't clear everything up but it helps I guess.

It definitely helps, but I still have acne.I'm looking for something else to take. I would recommend it to people with very very little acne.
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

Fewer pimples. This product actually started working in about 2 days.

Cons:

Scheduling my life around apill

It actually worked for me. I was prescribed the medicine on a friday and saw a big improvement by Monday. Along with the Retin-A, finally something is working for my acne.
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April 12, 2009

Pros:

Not many

Cons:

Not many

This pill actually did nothing at ALL to me. Didn't make me sick, didn't clear up my acne. Been taking it for 2 months.
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April 10, 2009

Pros:

helped clear up my acne within the first few weeks

Cons:

i was hungry all the time , i got severe nausea and headaches, dizziness and blackouts.

it definitely does help clear up acne ,but lowers your immune system by a ton. i got severely sick at least four times while on this medication. it works well i just didn't think it was worth it to me, but everrybodys body reacts differently.
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April 7, 2009

Pros:

NOTICED AN IMPROVEMENT AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS

Cons:

HAVE TO TAKE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH AND NOT WITH DAIRY PRODUCTS.

I HAD RASH LIKE ACNE ON MY FOREHEAD AND JAWLINE. I TRIED EVERYTHIGN FROM BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, MINOCYCLINE, DOXYCYCLINE, RETIN-A AND OVER THE COUNTER CREAMS...NOTHIGN WORKED ....UNTIL I WAS PRESCRIBED TO TAKE 500 MG TETRACYCLINE 2 TIMES A DAY. I NOTICED AN IMPROVEMENT RIGHT AWAY. I AM 2 WEEKS INTO MY PILLS AND MY FOREHEAD IS COMPLETELY SMOOTH. I ALSO USE CLINDAMYCIN CREAM IN THE MORNING, IT WORKS WELL UNLIKE RETIN-A WHICH MADE MY SKIN SCALY AND PEEL.
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April 3, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my cystic acne in a week and a half. Tetracycline worked wonders for me.

Cons:

When I was taking four pills a day (two at a time, twice a day) I felt really nauseous about an hour after taking the pills. Also the schedule of not being able to eat when you want really stinks...

Although I'm sure that tetracycline doesn't work for everyone, I think it's worth a try because it worked so great for me. I went from having really terrible skin to just dealing with the leftover red marks now. I didn't have an initial breakout and a month in to using this antibiotic my results are getting better and better. I am taking this pill along with retin-a at night and clindamyacin gel in the morning (spot treating with BP). I take my first pill when I first wake up and then eat breakfast an hour later. I take my birth control pill at 7:00 pm. I take my second pill around 11:00 pm after I have stopped eating for a couple hours. This schedule seems to work for me.
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March 17, 2009

Pros:

My 13 years old daughter started to take it 1.5 weeks ago.

Cons:

I have to remind her to take the medicine 30 min before bed.
As per instruction she has to sit or stay during 30 mins after
she took the medicine. And no vitamins supplement 1.5 hrs before and after.

It seems like it works, Acnes almost gone, no redness, and inflamation. She is happy now. We will see how long we have to take it. Our doctor told us to take it up to 6 months.
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March 15, 2009

Pros:

it works! i didn't think it would but after the two month mark all of a sudden i noticed "hey, my acne is gone, when did that happen?!"

Cons:

it makes me bloated and takes two months to work, but stick with it!

i started taking probiotic supplements from trader joes with the tetracycline and my digestive system is no longer mad at me. my scars are gone too and if i do get a sudden break out now it seems to be period-related, but definitely not as bad. seriously, if you are about to give up after being on it a few weeks, stick with it!!! i had my doubts but i am doubting no longer!!
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February 14, 2009

Pros:

IT SUCKS!!!

Cons:

IT DIDNT DO A THING! ALL IT DID WAS GIVE ME A HARD TIME FITTING IT INTO MY SCHDUALE!

DONT GET IT BACTRIM WORKS 10x BETTER!!
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February 5, 2009

Pros:

started taking it around 2 weeks ago. Have noticed slight difference in the redness of my acne. Really hope it should start dissapearing in a month. free on NHS

Cons:

Very hard to fit into practical scheduale.

I realised this morning that you're not supossed to take it with food which makes me feel like the last three weeks might have been pointless. Ive started a new pattern from tonight, so hopefully i'll get full benefits from it
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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

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

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  • 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.
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