Spiro - carcinogenic?! And does skin always get worse?

innocence · 03-21-2008, 12:21 PM

Hi there,
I've just been put on Spironolactone 100mg/day (take it as one dose), but have read that carcinogenic effects have been reported in animals?!?! Seems a bit worrying, no?? And what about hyperkalemia, etc? Do you all have regular blood tests??
Also, should I expect my skin to get worse before it clears up??

Thanks a lot!

BorderGirl · 03-25-2008, 09:16 PM

I think I've seen the same thing in the patient info, but if I'm not mistaken I've also seen it for meds like Differin. Lots of times they are using doses that are a lot higher than what you would take, in a small animal. If you are worried you can ask your pharmacist or doctor.
In a normal, healthy young person the chances of hyperkalemia are very low. But I do have my potassium checked every six months. Risk factors would be kidney problems and taking NSAIDs on a very regular (like almost daily) basis.

karm0099 · 03-26-2008, 02:32 PM

Hi - I've been on Spiro for about 5 weeks, 100mg one dose daily. The first 3 weeks, I was very pleased with the clearing, less oil, etc . . . very little side effects. However, after my cycle the acne has become worse. Actually worse than it was before with the exception of no cysts, thank god! I can live with zits, but those cysts are killer! I have looked on another health boards posts, and it seems very normal that it gets worse before it gets better. So I am going to stick it out. It's hard to hang your hopes on something and have it get worse, so disheartening. I am hoping just a few more weeks, by the 3rd month will work better. That is the result most people report. Good luck and lets keep each other posted on the progress.

innocence · 03-28-2008, 08:26 AM

Thanks a lot for the replies!!

And that's really annoying that it got worse after 3 weeks! I've been on it (100mg/day) for only a week, but my skin has already improved a lot!!! Really don't want it to get worse now!!

karm0099 · 03-31-2008, 03:33 PM

Here is an update

6 weeks in. I did see my Dr. to get the old ones that just wouldn't go away injected. Those are gone now. I've been using AHA glycolic acid 12% to get the rest up and out. And went back on the doxycycline temporarily until I get past the hard part. Skin is looking pretty good - maybe the worst is over.