Is it normal to occasionally break out on Spironolactone or should you be 100% clear?

Question

I love Spironolactone! It changed my life. I've been taking is since I was 16 (I am 20 now), and for the most part, it has worked wonders. However, I occasionally bump up my dosage (150 mg now with no side effects) if I experience a break out. When I say breakout, I mean 3-4 pimple a month - not cystic and usually around my period. I'm scared that my face will go back to pre-spiro. Is that possible and is it normal to not be 100% clear after a certain amount of time on the medication. Thanks!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about Spironolactone. First I would encourage you not to change medication dosages without talking to your provider.  Occasionally patients will need to increase the dosage after being on the medication for an extended period of time.  It is also common to have additional breakouts around your menstrual cycle.  You may need to be on additional treatment to prevent breakouts during those times.  One safe and easy treatment we recommend to all of our patients are our Koji Pads.  Kojic acid along with Arbutase work well for brightening the skin and preventing blemishes.
 
 To be sure, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.
 
 I hope this helps.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

Sometimes that happens especially around the time of your period. Many people will experience that, it is completely normal. I would consult with your doctor, maybe to get some peels every now and then or to inject some of your pimples just to make them go away quicker but otherwise everything seems okay.

Is it normal to occasionally break out on Spironolactone or should you be 100% clear?

Answers (2)

More Spironolactone For Acne Questions

33 prescribed Spironolactone. I also take levothyroxine 125 mg. When should I take my dose? (Photo)

4 months on Spironolactone and almost constant spotting with my period, is this normal?

Is 25mg spironolactone effective for hormonal acne?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS