Minocin as a treatment for Acne

Bottle_of_Smoke

When I was around 16/17 I had fairly bad Acne. Was at the doctor's for something else & mentioned it to him. He put me on Minocin which worked a bit at first but then seemed to make it worse.

So after months & months of minocin presciptions I get sent to a dermatologist who puts me on roaccutane, was very drying on my skin/lips but my skin cleared up really well & has been fine since.

A cousin of mine went through a similar set of of events, as did one of my close friends in school.

Over the years I've talked to several people who had acne. Some grew out of it, some girls were cured by going on the pill, some were cured by roaccutane, some now have really bad scars. When I say cured I mean they had little or no acne afterward & scarring didn't end up too bad. Anyway I'm still yet to meet someone to be "cured" by minocin.

Minocin is an antibiotic so has the usual side effects. It's also really bad for your digestive system.

Not to go all conspiracy theory but obviously this is making a lot of money for pharmeceuticals.

Does anyone ever get direct referral for Roaccutane? There's people with much worse than acne than I had and it annoys me that they still have to go through all the Minocin crap.

Anyone any better experiences?

toothie

I had mild acne and I think I was on minocin for a while when I was a teenager. The name sounds familiar anyway. I hated having to take tablets as they really interfered with my stomach. So I stopped taking them. The acne cleared for a few years (occasional outbreaks, but nothing that didn't clear), then while I was at college, the stress brought it on again. I went to a doctor near the college for a different problem and she also prescribed Dalacin topical lotion. It is excellent, it's just a lotion in a roller ball container and it clears your skin up so fast. There's no side effects as it's not a tablet.
I haven't heard of Roaccutane but just thought I'd mention the Dalacin as it has really worked for me.

*belle*

i was on minocin last year and it was useless.
had a white cream thing too to calm the redness(i think thats wat its for) and i actually found it caused more scarring .
it also bleaced my clothes.

toothie

Belle, that sounds like Benzamyocin cream. I had the same experience with it too, had to stop using it because it was burning my skin.

*belle*

ya that sounds right.
it wasnt like i used too much of it,i was very careful.
it just wasnt for me.i dont think i would recommend it any time soon.

DrIndy

There are dermatological guidelines with steps up depending on severity and effectiveness of other treatments.

minocin is a cheap antibiotic that is off patent for years, roaccutane is very expensive and has loads of side effects, notably for women as it causes horrendous birth defects (hence dermatologists insist usually on girls being on the pill despite the protestations of virginity from the parents!)

As I said, there are clear guidelines and you need to discuss the options with a doctor.

Bottle_of_Smoke

DrIndy wrote:

There are dermatological guidelines with steps up depending on severity and effectiveness of other treatments.

minocin is a cheap antibiotic that is off patent for years, roaccutane is very expensive and has loads of side effects, notably for women as it causes horrendous birth defects (hence dermatologists insist usually on girls being on the pill despite the protestations of virginity from the parents!)

As I said, there are clear guidelines and you need to discuss the options with a doctor.

Surely that's a terrible reason to keep minocin going. Plenty of things are cheap that have no effect.

As for your second point, most people with bad acne would rather pay for roaccutane than fu*k themselves up with minocin. Also with our drugs payment scheme the patient will pay the same for roaccutane as they do minocin(overlooking dermatologist fees of course) & how many other medical treatments could cause horrendous birth defects?

So anyone out there with a minocin success story?

On a completely unrelated topic can anyone remember the name of the solicitor who got the guys in the army settlements for hearing loss?

DrIndy

This needs to be discussed with your doctor, every treatment has side effects and it is better to use proven treatment with known side effects rather than new treatment with unknown, potentially more serious ones.

Atargatis

I had pretty bad cystic acne on my back when I started taking roaccutane. Painful to sit or lie down, constant bleeding. Luckily I was young enough to fall into the 'probably not gonna get pregnant' bracket. Took ages for the roaccutane to reduce everything to scars. It was years ago, but I'm pretty sure I maxed out my time on roaccutane.

Since then I've been on minocycline and differin [topical retinoic acid cream]. Even when I'm on it I still get break outs around period time. If I ever forget to take them, I get break outs regardless of cycle time.

Haven't had any remarkable GIT side effects. Started getting mild vertigo around the time I started, but I've either gotten used to it or it went.

For mild acne, minocycline is great.

Also have to mention that dianette had no effect on my spots and messed up my moods severely. Yasmin gave me dry patches, very little effect on spots. Microlite is alright - less dryness, not effective on my spots either though.

Pet

Minocin didn't do very much for me, but I didn't notice much in the way of side effects, either.

I'm interested in Roaccutane, because I've read studies which show that it's also pretty effective at really low doses (like 5mg/day); however, it takes longer to work. Anyone else know anything about this?

Stephen REA37G

I have just started Minocin last week, my GP told me it was the best and after 6 weeks everything would have cleared up.

I was told things about Roaccutane on the side of a a lot of people suffering from depression after it.

:|

Minocin did very little for me. I was also on that white cream, bleached all my pillows too!

Don't really know what to do now, everything i've ever taken hasn'r been great so I've stopped out of laziness, or recently a refusal on my mothers part to buy it cos she doesn't want me to constantly be on antibiotics. I don't wanna go back to the doctor now either cos they'l give out cos i stopped taking it...

lola_run

HI,

I can really sympathise with your problem. My (excellent) dermatologist put me on Spirolactone (manufactured by Sandoz) and that has helped my (mild) acne. Ask about this medication, as there are very few side effects. Taking Spirolactone increases the potassium in your blood though so you need to get a blood test done before taking the medication and then six weeks later to make sure potassium levels are ok. Google for more info and you'll find very positive info about Spirolactone. Good luck! PS: It only costs 24 euro for 100 mg/50 tabs.

Bottle_of_Smoke

Stephen REA37G wrote:

I have just started Minocin last week, my GP told me it was the best and after 6 weeks everything would have cleared up.

I was told things about Roaccutane on the side of a a lot of people suffering from depression after it.

I had no depression on it, in fact my moods were constantly low on minocin. This is probably because antibiotics are bad for your general health.

Has to be said I was going through puberty at the time so i could have had the same moods without any treatments.

The thing about Roaccutane was that I could see the effects after about 6 weeks, which really put me in a good mood. Also I was told not to use *ANY* other treatments including facials & diet. So I could completely relax & aside from taking the pills I could completely forget about the spots. It was like I *knew* the acne was going away. And it did.

Don't really know what to do now, everything i've ever taken hasn'r been great so I've stopped out of laziness, or recently a refusal on my mothers part to buy it cos she doesn't want me to constantly be on antibiotics. I don't wanna go back to the doctor now either cos they'l give out cos i stopped taking it...

I think your mother's right, if I could turn back the clock I would have done my best to have gotten off minocin as early as possible & on to Roaccutane

Squeeonline

I took minocin when iwas about 16/17 to absolutly no effect for over a year. It was like i was on a placebo. I had no stomach problems like others have described. My acne isnt bad enough to warrent Roaccutane and I was put off using it because of the monthly liver function tests and possible side effects.

I now use a gel/cream called Duac. Im not sure if its having a large effect but i do notice a difference when i forget to apply it for a night or two. The only problem that i have with it, is that it bleaches the bedsheets.

Has anyone else used this cream? if so, to what effect? AFAIK it is cheap and available over the counter.

lola_run

Squeeonline wrote:

I took minocin when iwas about 16/17 to absolutly no effect for over a year. It was like i was on a placebo. I had no stomach problems like others have described. My acne isnt bad enough to warrent Roaccutane and I was put off using it because of the monthly liver function tests and possible side effects.

I now use a gel/cream called Duac. Im not sure if its having a large effect but i do notice a difference when i forget to apply it for a night or two. The only problem that i have with it, is that it bleaches the bedsheets.

Has anyone else used this cream? if so, to what effect? AFAIK it is cheap and available over the counter.

If your acne isn't that bad, I'd recommend you ask your dermatologist about putting you on Spirolactone. It's one of the most effective acne solutions around and has much less side effects than the other drugs mentioned here.

I was also given external treatment at first that had little effect, but the creams certainly did not bleach the bedsheets!!! Anything that does that must be quite potent and I'd steer well clear of it if I were you.

eth0_

lola_run wrote:

Anything that does that must be quite potent and I'd steer well clear of it if I were you.

Are you a qualified dermatologist?

DrIndy

eth0_ wrote:

Are you a qualified dermatologist?

A genuine point. Caution please lola_run

lola_run

eth0_ wrote:

Are you a qualified dermatologist?

No, but I just consulted mine before I posted that. ;-)

I know a very good one, so PM me if you would like her name. I'd be more than glad to help.

BTW, it's spelled SPIRONOLACTONE.

This thread might be of interest to some interested in this medicine:

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=375217&highlight=spironolactone+acne

born2bwild

I was prescribed minocin three weeks ago and it worked perfectly but there were severe side effects on my liver! My GP sent me into the A and E and I was there for two days!!!

Ann22

born2bwild wrote: »

I was prescribed minocin three weeks ago and it worked perfectly but there were severe side effects on my liver! My GP sent me into the A and E and I was there for two days!!!

How did you know your liver was affected? Was it picked up in a routine blood test or were you unwell? My son's on minocin this past two months, not much change in his skin. He's also using Zindaclin gel.

born2bwild

I took it for ten days and I slowly began to feel very unwell. I had temps of 40 degs. My GP had advised me that the drug has some small potential to affect the liver so I stopped taking it. For a couple of days my temperature went down but then I took the drug again and it shot back up.

Blood tests in the hospital showed a liver infection - they're still trying to specify which kind.

I read around and found articles describing cases where minocin caused liver infections (hepatitis and another thing called 'lupus erythematosus')

Of course I have no conclusive evidence that minocn caused my liver infection (whatever it is) but it seems more than a coincidence that my illness followed an arc defined by my intake or non intake of this drug.

flerb22

iv never heard of spironolactone used for acne before - is it being used under its license?

SomeDose

flerb22 wrote: »

iv never heard of spironolactone used for acne before - is it being used under its license?

No, it's an unlicensed indication.

Conor108

I've been using Duac too for almost a year. It used to work alot better (although maybe my acne used to be worse, not too sure myself!). But Yeah I notice the effects if I forget to apply it! Doesn't seem to get rid of 100% of it but it does a good job:D

Nonoperational

There is some serious nonsense being spouted on this thread by people that clearly have no idea what they are talking about.

taram

gpf101 wrote: »

There is some serious nonsense being spouted on this thread by people that clearly have no idea what they are talking about.

Like what? Not try to start anything, just geuinenly curious, as an acne sufferer I have been following this thread.

misspiggy40

Well guys you have just frightened the bejaysus out of me. (But I am still sticking with my treatment.) Totally different story here. I had bad skin as a teenager and it returned after having my kids....or perhaps during and I just didn't really notice (Am 40 now). My problem was everything from blackheads to those painfu boil type things. Anyhow, my doc, who I think is the bees knees, put me on Minocin. Within two weeks my face was completely clear. My chest and back are clearing but I could kick myself that I didn't do something sooner as there are marks that I think will never go.

With regard to the liver thing, my doc said I had to have a blood test after 3 months. There was a slight elevation in the liver function but nothing of note.

When I was a youngster the pill and such did nothing for me at all, but my pal who had horrendous acne at that time was transformed. My point being some things work for some people and not for others. If you trust your GP don't try to second guess them but don't be afraid to be assertive if you have any doubts.

Finally, just to say, if I am out and about it is great not to have a face full of angry passengers:eek: and to be able to wear a bit of make up and feel confident again. My total empathy to all my fellow sufferers.

sportswear

This is probably because antibiotics are bad for your general health.

no

misspiggy40

Hi all. Just updating here. The minosin did fine for my face but did not clear my back or chest. Am now starting Roacutane and will see how that goes. Had absolutely no bad experience with the Minosin except for a little light headedness on the first few days which may or may not have been related. Good luck all.;)

MoonDancer

I've been on the pill and the antibiotic lotion for 4 years & it didn't help but I went on Minocin for 3 months & that cleared it up within 2 weeks
I suppose what works for some, doesn't for others.

mloc

Personally, I think roaccutane is the only worthwhile systemic acne medication.

The fears relating to the psychological side effects are, in my opinion, just that; fears. A chronic acne sufferer is more likely to have self-confidence issues that may result in self-harm or suicidal tendancies than a non-acne sufferer; I think the medication gets more bad press than it deserves in that respect. I myself was prescribed high-dosage Roaccutane for 6 months, several years ago. My acne was not severe yet the medication was a success and I have not had problems with my skin since. I think a lot of the psychological effects are psycho-somatic or incidental, and not related to the medication itself.

Additionally, a wide-spectrum antibiotic such as Minocin should not be prescribed for long-term treatment in conditions such as acne, particularly where its efficacy is questionable. Tetracyclines are already experiencing resistance in more severe conditions, and as a first line acne medication, it has little merit.

I am not a doctor.

professore

I had severe acne as a teenager / young adult (boils on face and back). I had 2 separate treatments. At the age of 17 I was on minocin and some sort of cream that didn't bleach anything - it seemed to dry up very fast when you put it on though. That cleared up my acne fully. I then stopped and over the course of a year it came back with a vengeance. At 21 or so I had another course of minocin only. It worked to a degree but not as well as the first time with the cream. I can't remember what that cream was called, but it was great stuff. It didn't have benzoyl peroxide in it anyway.

sarahbrennan

I'm 19, I've been on Tetralysal (a tetracycline) and dianette for almost 3 months, not a huge change, I still get stops on my face but they're not as inflammed as before, my back still has quite big spots, I have some small marks/scars left which I hope will fade.

My doctor been encouraging me to see a dermatoligist and go on Roaccutane, I have a very mixed opinion on this because I think it's a really serious drug to go on but I don't like being on the meds I'm on now either.

<mod snip: Sarah, no asking for medical advice here please. Talk to your doctor.>

taram

Hi Cian, my doctor tried everything and anything before referring me for Roaccutane, same with my sister's GP, but it's probably up to his own judgement depending on the severity of the problem. Ask him, minocin is a lot easier to take than Roaccutane, and cheaper, would be better to try that and see if it works than go for Roaccutane which is really seen as the last resort.

MrCreosote

mloc wrote: »

Personally, I think roaccutane is the only worthwhile systemic acne medication.

The fears relating to the psychological side effects are, in my opinion, just that; fears. A chronic acne sufferer is more likely to have self-confidence issues that may result in self-harm or suicidal tendancies than a non-acne sufferer; I think the medication gets more bad press than it deserves in that respect. I myself was prescribed high-dosage Roaccutane for 6 months, several years ago. My acne was not severe yet the medication was a success and I have not had problems with my skin since. I think a lot of the psychological effects are psycho-somatic or incidental, and not related to the medication itself.

Additionally, a wide-spectrum antibiotic such as Minocin should not be prescribed for long-term treatment in conditions such as acne, particularly where its efficacy is questionable. Tetracyclines are already experiencing resistance in more severe conditions, and as a first line acne medication, it has little merit.

I am not a doctor.

You make a few good points here mloc, especially about resistance developing. I read an article a few years ago suggesting that antibiotics should be reserved for serious life threatening illnesses like endocarditis and confirmed pneumonias only. Not sure if that will catch on! Anyway, tetracyclines are rarely used first line for other infectious diseases anymore. I still think they have a place before going straight to roaccutane- at least for a decent trial period. Sure they have side-effects, but they are usually predictable and my own experience is that doxycycline (personally use it more than minocycline) is usually effective.

I accept your second point about the perception around roaccutane. Problem is that the bad press is out there and that opens certain medico-legal cans of worms when prescribing it. Specialist prescribing only is essential for it I feel personally.

mothersruin

I'm really p*ssed off as just spent 180 on visit to dermatologist, after waiting THREE months, and he wouldn't prescribe roaccuatane, insisted on minocin for 2 months at least instead. I used antibiotics before and they didn't work, and I was on roaccutane more than 10 years ago and it DID work. My GP could have prescribed minocin, 3 months ago! grumble, grumble grumble. In my experience, roaccutane is the only thing that ever worked on my skin, but he is the holy God consultant, earning 180 for 15 mins consultation, during which he never looked at me while he recited his text book medical information. not in a good mood!

p1akuw47h5r3it

I was on Minocin and the white cream. the Minocin worked whilst i was on it however when I came off it my acne came back, the cream didn't do much imo.

So I went on Roaccutane. I came of it in November and it worked very well. I had dry lips and it caused me to be tired sometimes. I also felt, well i don't know exactly how to describe it but I wasn't depressed yet i wasnt happy either, I was somewhere in between. But I never felt really upset or anything, it was fine. It has worked up to now (am off it since November as I have said). I have started to get one or two pimples however nothing too bad, though I do fear my acne coming back.

As regards the side effects of Roaccutane it varies from person to person according to my dermatologist, though not many people suffer any serious side affects. It is worth going on as I have just feel so more confident and don't get depressed over my skin like I used to, which would get me even more depressed about other stuff!

Any way back to the OP's question, I didnt have any success with Minocin :P it worked when i was on it but when I came of it my acne came back so basically it was a waste of money!

Like a previous poster said i feel Roaccutane is the only useful treatment.

p1akuw47h5r3it

mothersruin wrote: »

I'm really p*ssed off as just spent 180 on visit to dermatologist, after waiting THREE months, and he wouldn't prescribe roaccuatane, insisted on minocin for 2 months at least instead. I used antibiotics before and they didn't work, and I was on roaccutane more than 10 years ago and it DID work. My GP could have prescribed minocin, 3 months ago! grumble, grumble grumble. In my experience, roaccutane is the only thing that ever worked on my skin, but he is the holy God consultant, earning 180 for 15 mins consultation, during which he never looked at me while he recited his text book medical information. not in a good mood!

There are guidelines that have to be followed when issuing Roaccutane. For example girls must go on the pill afaik. So it may also be a requirement that other meds have to be prescribed first, as Roaccutane is seen as a last resort.

mothersruin

I know all about the restrictions and issues regarding roaccutance - as I said, I was on it before. I had no serious side effects aside from dry lips. It was the only medication I ever used that worked - I've had acne for over 20 years. But I was living elsewhere before and this idiot consultant just insists that I have to try minocin. It's been my skin for the past 20 years, I've tried all the different treatments before - you'd think he might pay some attention to that - that's what I thought I was paying 180 for - to prescribe roaccutane, which has to be prescribed by a consultant. All the other meds can be prescribed by a GP. If that's what I was looking for I would have asked my GP for an antibiotic.