To order "illegal" acne pharmaceuticals online

[QueenCamilla]

Now, I don't suggest anyone goes and tries to find the medication online.
I'm more bewildered that I had to take the matters into my own hands after doctors not taking anything relating to my adult hormonal acne seriously.

I'm also upset how long I had to suffer this issue when there was suitable medication available all along.

I'm talking about Spironolactone - a mild diuretic with anti-androgen properties that is cheap and prescribed on the NHS as a "water pill".

The drug has a long history and very low incidence of side-effects. It's use off-label to treat acne in women is also documented and effective.
Some of the side-effects in men used to be undesirable but these days... 🙄

I've had acne & often backne since early puberty. It affected me mentally. I spent way too much time hiding behind the makeup and I spent way too much money on creams, lotions, supplements - prescribed and not.
I've been on the pill since 14 with the pregnancy the only break.
I used awful chemicals with terrifying side-effects (Accutane, looking at you). Cause it's normal to prescribe something toxic that makes you bleed from your anus... 😕
Accutane only worked whilst in my system, then back to spots.

I read about Spironolactone. GP would not prescribe "off label". Private dermatologist would be this drawn out, expensive process with specific blood tests and monthly appointments.
I just couldn't sink in more money on yet another little known about "cure" that might or might not work for me.

So I ordered it online. From some country where Spironolactone is prescription free. And it helped! I'm totally, completely acne free for the past year. All of it is gone I get complinents about my skin often - the best of both worlds - skin that is not dry and spot free. Zero side effects. I don't even pee more than usual.

But here I am, feeling like a criminal, importing drugs from abroad in jiffy bags, texting to some burner phones (maybe I need one? 😁), taking a risk with what I'm taking. I'm actually more worried about losing my "dealer" and my clear skin!

Is anyone on Spironolactone prescription from their GP?
How did you get there?
If you take it via private - how much a month does it end up costing?
Should I own up to my GP and see if they prescribe it to me now that I'm sure it works?
Why is this use of the drug not "on label"? Probably something to do with the poor mens not being included.

I'm in a country where spiro is easier to be prescribed and agree with OP, it's a game changer. I had initial blood pressure taken but haven't had follow ups, my doctor might just be a bit rubbish though.

6 months ago I started taking DIM. That cleared up the remaining PMA that I was still getting with spiro.

@Tortoise90 as per my previous post, Spironolactone is far from the first step in my long and arduous journey with NHS acne treatment.
I've been in the system for about a decade with this issue, so there's perhaps another reason my doctors actions are different than yours?

I've tried every route and nothing worked, not even accutane.

So my route started as most everyone's does, because GPs have set pathways they pretty much have to follow. It's a process of elimination, really.

My GP tried me with every topical solution they could prescribe. Then a barrage of antibiotics. Then a referral to dermatology, with a long wait. Then accutane. It worked while I was on it, the acne came back within 6 months of finishing the course of treatment. Another round of accutane. Again, it came back within 6 months.

So when I went back to my GP, they wrote to the dermatologist, who recommended trying Spironolactone.

They could do this because I had a long history with this issue, I was known to dermatology, I didn't have to be seen. My GP prescribed Spironolactone as advised by dermatology.

But it's not as though anyone could just waltz into their first appointment with a GP and demand Spironolactone.
I can't speculate why your GP can't offer you it, but I'm sure they have good reason.

Edit:spelling

I would look into non-harmful alternative treatment before taking such complicated drugs. For example, acupuncture worked wonders on my dd's hormonal imbalance.

@Polecat07 Thanks so much for the answer. I have the same history as you, I’ve tried absolutely everything for my acne with my GP. So definitely will be asking for this next time!

Our healthcare is shocking. The GP is so anti- painkillers I had to buy them online