Should I continue taking Spironolactone?

Question

I was put on spiro and trinessa (ortho tri cyclen) two and half months ago for mild to moderate acne(cystic). I had severe cystic acne breakouts(cheeks, chin and some on forehead) with the medication. I switched to yaz (I have had success in the past with yaz) after 2 months and continued taking spiro. It has been 3 weeks on this combination and I am still breaking out. How long should I wait before I decide spiro is not for me?

Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD · Answer

Great question. I would say it can take 3 months to fully see how your skin is responding to the medications. And the recent switch from one contraceptive to the other will also delay the process. I would not switch anything right now. The dose may need to be adjusted for the spironolactone, some people need to be increased in dose before they see improvement. Also you did not mention if you have a prescribed topical regimen. You should have a topical antibiotic/benzoyl peroxide with a retinoid as part of your regimen for the best results. Hope this helps, good luck, Dr. P.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Any treatment for acne can take 6 to 8 weeks before you might notice improvement. I would suggest waiting for 2 months from when you started taking it. If there is no change, ask your dermatologist about antibiotics. For what you describe, I recommend oral antibiotics over topical.           jlr

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

3 months is a good timeframe however it should be time to review the dose. Most specialist start at between 50-100 mg, but you can increase PROVIDING your doctor supervises this dose increase. Most of us will regularly check your potassium levels whilst you are on spiro to ensure that all is good. All the bestDr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologistBRISBANE, Australia.

Should I continue taking Spironolactone?

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Should I continue taking Spironolactone?

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Everything you need to know about Spironolactone For Acne

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