Spironolactone - what checks needed while on medication

[CheekyCapybara]

Hello,

I have recently been prescribed spironolactone for my hormonal acne. I understand that I will need blood tests to monitor me on this medication.

If you’ve experience of this medication, I’d be grateful if you could let me know what the blood tests needed are (thinking potassium levels?) and how often?

Thank you so much!

I take meds for longterm hypertension ( I had pregnancy induced hypertension that didn’t return to normal post pregnancy so was advised to take meds to prevent long term damage from chronic hypertension). Since most antihypertensives can cause kidney problems I have kidney function tests every 12 months. After 21 years I’ve had no problems.
Spironolactone is a diuretic used in some patients who blood pressure is difficult to control but also has anti androgen effects so is used off licence for acne.
The chances of developing kidney damage are low but regular monitoring is likely to pick up any changes.

Thank you, that’s so helpful to know. I’ve been a bit worried and doubting whether to take when I read that constant monitoring was needed.

I’ve been on it for cystic acne for a year. I just have a blood test every few months.

its been a game changer for me, I have struggled with 3-4 huge cystic spots every month for 10 years and last had just one in November!

I have kidney function tests six monthly. I take it off licence for androgenic alopecia.

I have just been prescribed it for extreme hair thinning - not really seen much change yet and would love to know if it worked for you? Thx!

Sorry, I didn’t realise you’d replied to me.

Yes, I’ve been on it 8 years and have no plans to come off it. I’ve always had fine hair, but had a lot of it. My hair is still thinner at the front but the loss seemed to stabilise. I don’t think anyone looking at me would know I have this issue. I also use Regaine.

OP were you prescribed by a dermatologist? Were you offered isotretinoin or have you taken that previously?
I'm late 40s and after a lifetime of acne (and many courses of antibiotics and isotretinoin) I've been referred again to dermatology by my GP. I do wonder if they will advise to try spironolactone this time.

Yes, I was prescribed by dermatologist (went privately) and my GP has been happy to pick up and run with prescription on NHS. I was given option of isotretinoin but as my issues seem to be more hormonal, I decided to opt for spironalactone. I also thought the side effects might be more manageable on spiro. But I guess it’s a bit of trial and error!

Thank you for replying and I hope it works for you! I was concerned re the breast tenderness and headache side effects of spironolactone (possibly) as i already get both quite a bit as perimenopausal. I hope I will be allowed isotretinoin again. But i know some people can have great results on spiro too!

Thanks for this update! I’ve been taking it around 6 months and definitely have thin areas at the front but think I may have slightly less shedding when washing my hair but it’s hard to tell