I have never heard of spironolactone being used for men's acne. Without good evidence, I use it frequently in women.
Concerned over 'Spironolactone' Rx for acne as a maleHello, (30y/o male).I was recently seen by an NP at a Urology center and during my visit my acne was brought up. She just got done some time working in dermatology. I had stated I was not comfortable with something like Acutane since I am trying to have kids and honestly that medication seems very scary to me from a health standpoint. She Rx me something called 'spironolactone'. Coincidentally I was seeing a male health specialist (an NP) the next day and he also brought up my acne and suggested 'spironolactone' out of the blue..Before I picked this up from the Pharmacy I googled it, because I like to know about medications and nowhere does it say this medication is safe or FDA approved for men. It's apparently outstanding for female acne, but as an androgen blocker, is not intended for use in men, and in fact a clinical study showed 100mg of daily use for 3 months in a group of 18 men, 8 of them developed significant gynecomastia..I called and canceled my Rx for spironolactone. I wanted to get an MDs opinion on this. I am a lay person so maybe I was just dramatic here. I am quite confused why two entirely different NPs, practicing in different states, would both suggest spironolactone (100mg a day) for acne in men..Patient History:Pituitary tumor which impacts my testosterone levels (sub 100) so am on 100mg of T a week. I have cut this down and am weaning completely off of it because I am currently 0.00 10x6 for sperm. NP just started me on 5mg of 'finasteride' (for acne due to DHT conversion maybe?) and HCG (0.75mg a week) to try and get that up. Another NP started me on Clomid and suggested I finished off the HCG (*I know, its not ideal to have two providers dictating care for the same thing - but NP #1 didnt know I was at a 0 and wanted to determine if I needed something like Clomid after the analysis came back but I dont see her again for 2 months).*I will say the IM testosterone has changed my life. I cannot explain how much better I feel. Its so profound I almost want to cry. Its like seeing in color for the first time in 20 years. I am sad / nervous to get off of it, but its for a purpose so I can handle that.