Accutane vs Spironolactone
 | Accutane |  | Spironolactone |  |
| This medication is used to treat severe cystic acne (also known as nodular acne) that has not responded to other treatment (e.g., benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin applied to the skin or tetracycline or minocycline taken by mouth). It belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids. It works by decreasing facial oil (sebum) production. High amounts of sebum can lead to severe acne. If left untreated, severe acne may cause permanent scarring. | Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure) by removing excess fluid and improving symptoms such as breathing problems. | |||
Alternatives
Reviews
| Add Accutane review I took Accutane 30 years ago when I was in my early 20's. I had gone to more than one dermatologist and had tried several oral and topical antibiotics, but when I stopped using them, the cysts came back and my skin was always worse than it was to start with. While I was on Accutane, my skin was an unholy mess. My face really broke out and then turned into a dry, flaking, peeling mess. (I can remember being approached by strangers who assumed I had been burned in fire.) But after I stopped taking it, my skin was flawless. Now, thirty years later, my skin is still clear and I have minimal scarring. Cystic acne runs in my family, and several of my mother's sisters are scarred to the point of disfigurement and still have breakouts. I struggled with acne from the time I hit puberty (age 13) until age 24. I had managed to get it under control during my college years but when I hit 24 my face broke out like crazy and nothing I did would make the acne go away. I finally broke down and went to a dermatologist who put me on accutane for 7 months. I'm currently on the last month of my accutane and so far it has been a blessing. My face is completely cleared up and I break out maybe once a month vs a couple times a day before I started accutane. The biggest side effects I've had are dry/chapped lips and sensitivity to products. I've been using aquafor daily and switched to Mario Badescu products that don't irritate my skin. In month 5 of the treatment I began experiencing dry skin and nose dryness (although no nose bleeding). I bought bio oil to rub on my skin for the dryness (and has helped a lot with acne scars) and put aquafor on the inside of my nose. While all of the side effects are annoying, they are totally worth the beautiful skin I now have. I highly recommend this product. | Add Spironolactone review I began this medication for painful cystic acne. At 100 mgs a day, I began to see results within 2 months. (Females only) Not only did the acne eventually disappear but my body hair became much thinner, my boobs became fuller, and I quit having periods- which was an AwEsOmE surprise! Nothing was instant though, it takes time. It may cause a little fatigue, but nothing that can't be helped with a l ... Have PCOS and have been taking this drug for 3 years - had to wait 6 months prior to seeing any changes but once started it progressivly got better. Did not clear up all excessive facial hair but most. Have worried about possible side effects as am taking 150 mgs but so far nothing. I am on this medication for female post menapausel acne. I am really concerned about the side effects. Used to lower testosterone - it worked after 6 months. Used for acne. First time, only taking 25mg-50mg. Had initial break-out, experienced less oil, but still had some bumps, so I stopped. Trying again, started with 150mg a day..after 3 weeks this is what I can tell you: No initial break-out, no oil, only 3 new, smaller pimples, scarring almost completely faded. So so happy with results. Taking 6 to 8 pills a day. No more jaw-line and cheek, ho ... | |||
