Minocycline 100mg not working

[RONALD]

Hi, I have had Acne for like 2 years and i do not know what to do!! I have taken everything over the counter. I went to the dermatologist and he gave me tetracyclin wich didnt do anything at all, and then i went 3 months ago and currerntly i am on Minocycline 100mg 2 times a day along with Benzaymicin. I have been on this regiment for 4 weeks and so far little improvement, i still get my breakouts. I dont know what to do. I wake up i wash my face with Johnson And Johnson Clean and Clear 10% benzol peroxide, then i apply Saliclic Dual Moisterier, then i apply my Benzamycin, then my suncreen (purpose). I take my pills on time and so far no improvment whats going on? Im scared to take accutane because i am a Wrestler and im scared its going to affect my wrestling. Thanks for any help.

Ron

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Ron:

First, be patient.  It takes antibiotics 8-12 weeks to work.  (It takes Accutane even longer.)

Second, don't be afraid of Accutane if you need it.  I've treated all sorts of athletes with it (linebackers during the season, and so on.)

Just don't give up prematurely.  Stick with the program, and have your dermatologist keep pushing the treatment until you're clear.

best.

Dr. R

[Jamie]

I have had acne for about 5 years now and am 19.  I took acutane for a while when i was about 17 and it helped. Now my acne is back and I am using minocycline w/ benzamicin gel to treat it but it really isn't doing much.  My doc suggests that I go back and acutane but I am a bit scared of what the long term effects may be.  What is the worst case scenario you've heard or witnessed of the long term effects of acutane.  Also I'd like to know about these little black dots I get, they are pretty small but I think they are scars which scares me a lot too.  They're like tiny pits or something not like the acne pock mars I've seen on other people.  Will they get worse?  Can I make them go away?  Also, for a while I used the controversial Androstene to increase my strength for college baseball.  Do you think this had anything to do with the failing effects of the acutane?  I know this is a lot of questions to be asking, but I would be very greatfull if you could answer them.  I don't know who else to ask I can hardly ever get in to see my dermatologist and even when I can he doesn't speak english very well and can't understand me. Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jamie:

First, don't worry about long term effects of Accutane.  We've been using it since 1982, and it doesn't hang around in your body after you stop using it.  If the minocycline ends up not working -- you do have to give it a couple of months -- don't be afraid if your dermatologist recommends it.

To be honest, I don't know what the "black dots" are.  

I do not think the androstene is contributing to your acne, or to your difficulty in clearing it up.  Acne is tough!  But you'll do fine, if you follow through . . .

Best.

Dr. R

[Shinya]

Hi.  I have been taking minocycline for about two weeks now, it is stated that there have been cases(rarely) when the area of acne tend to change color, like that of a bruise.  I have noticed the area of my acne turn to this color.  I have decided to stop taking the medication.  My doctor told me that for it may take four weeks for the color to clear, if it's in the epidermis, however, if not, it may take years.  This has really frightened me.  I am on retin A right now, since that is an exfoliator will it promote the fading of this unsightly pigmentation??  please help.  thank you.  shinya

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I really doubt that the pigmentation is from Minocycline.  I've never even seen that, and besides, it takes months to appear.

Dr. R

[Deborah]

I have used every kind of antibiotic for acne since 1996.  I have cystic acne all across my jaw line and up on my cheeks.  I am twenty-four now.  It started when I was nineteen.  I would give anything to be able to run my hands across my face and not feel these huge bumps.I look at the stupid commercials with beautiful girls and their perfect skin and it breaks my heart.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Deborah:

See a dermatologist, get proper treatment --  Accutane if necessary --  and don't watch TV!

Dr. R

[amanda]

I have been on minocycline for almost a year now, 100mg daily or when ever I have a flare up for rosacea.  I am VERY!!! concerned about this pigmentation change that I have read about, please let me know if no pigmentation has occurred yet, will there be a good chance that it will never show up??

[Kellie]

These postings are scary! I'm 25 and just started getting acne last August - I haven't had it since I was 15!! I've tried erythromycin, doxycycline, and now I'm on minocycline, and ortho tri-cyclen. After two weeks, I've found that the minocycline is making me sick and I'm inclined to stop taking it.  

I've also tried Differin, which cleared my face completely in 1 week, but left a terrible dryness/peeling all over. I have ezcema (eczema) patches on my face now! So my derm put me on retin a-micro, and in two weeks the acne has come back all along the jawline and cheeks, although the ezcema (eczema) is better. Unfortunately, the acne which I've been trying to treat on my arms has turned into an incredibly itchy red rash, and I'm sure it's from the retin-a.

What should I do? I'm considering stopping the minocycline and using either retin-a or differin only every two or three days. Would this be a wise choice? Are there any other topical treatments that I should try? My dermatologist is running out of ideas since my eyes swell shut when I use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide products.

Thanks,
Kellie

[Scott Mcphilbin]

Hi. I have suffered from acne for at least 3 years now. I have tried many of the over counter products, as well as prescription products/Antibiotics. It got to the stage where I didn,t want to go out as I was ashamed with my looks. I then discovered products containing Glycolic Acid which with both salon and home products,worked brilliant. Within a couple of weeks my acne had improved, within a few months my face was clear again. I started with the cleanser,Face cream and sun protector, all containing glycilc acid. I also went for regular facials which realy improved the way my skin looked and felt.  

[janet]

I am a thirty-nine year old female.  I took Minocin for adult acne from the ages of 27-34 with great results. I was then advised to use the Minocin on a p.r.n. basis.  I have taken perhaps two, short (two week) courses of Minocin over the last couple of years, the last being in March of 2000.  Last week I noticed a very specific and symmetric discoloration of my teeth with the lower part of my upper teeth and upper part of my lower teeth appearing darker than the parts of the teeth closer to the gums (follow that?).  I had always been warned about possible tooth discoloration side effects of Minocin and wonder if this has occurred from the years of use or one of my more recent courses.  I'd appreciate your opinion as well as treatment options.  My original dermatologist had always said that any discoloration would be irreparable.

Thanks!

[Eric]

I started seeing a dermatologists when I was about twelve years old.  I'm thankfull for the help he has given me.  I am concerned about the long term effects of Minocycline.  I have been taking it for about six to seven years.  My acne has improved very much, but has not gone away yet.  I am twenty three now and was wondering if there is any long term effects of taking minocycline, on my liver or any other organs, or having children in the future?  I am still currently taking it.

[John]

Hi, i am 17 and I have been taking minocycline for almost two months now and it hasn't done anything at. I was wandering if their was a certain kind of soap I should be using. Also, I was thinking about getting pro-active, but am unsure if it really works. Please help.

[debbie]

I have been on Minocycline for a while, my dosage is 100 mg twice a day.  My doctor told me that if I have flare ups I can play around with my dosage.  So, I had a flare up and I took 400 mg per day.  After a while, my stomach started feeling really queasy and it feels like I haven't eaten in about a week - it has that empty feeling.  Is this normal when you are on high doses of this medicine?

[Peter]

I am 12 years old and have been taking minocycline 100 mg/day for just a week or so.  All of a sudden I have broken out is a very itchy rash. It has occurred on my back, stomach, arms and legs.  Could this medicine cause such a severe skin reaction?

[Cassie]

I have been taking minocycline for about a year.  It does seem to help, but I have experienced some weight gain.  Can minocycline cause this?  Also, are there any other side effects of taking antibiotics long-term?

[Joe]

I have been taking minocycline for about five months.  I am 41 years old and the medication has helped to clear up what many call "adult" acne.  My main concern is that the doctor said that I would probably have to take this drug for the rest of my life (if I don't want the bad skin to return).  I am very concerned about any side effects that may occur.  How afraid should I be, and should I continue to take the drug indefinitely?
Thanks

[Mookie]

I am 30 years old and finally got tired of breaking out and the scarring aftermath.  I decided to go to a dermatologist.  She recommended that I try Accutane but since there is blood work involved and constant monitoring which I don't have time for I decided to settle for Minocycline.  How long will it be before I will start noticing improvement in my skin?  How long can I stay on Minocycline?   Getting off the topic, will it clear up the dark spots (hyperpigmentation) on my face and back?  What will work for that?  Hydroquinone comes to mind but is there anything stronger than hydroquinone 4% cream.  Maybe 5% or 6%?

[Mike]

hi, i've been using benzamycin for about 1 year now, then i went on tetra and then once that didn't do anything i went on minocin, i have a similar case as ronald, but i've been on minocin for about 4 months now, and i have seen no improvements.. i'm wondering if i should go straight to another drug instead of waiting for my acne to clear with the stuff i'm using now...

what should i do doc??

[Patrick Leyland]

About three weeks ago I went to the doctor because I had a bacterial infection in my throat, she gave me about a weeks worth of some sort of antibiotic for it (not quite sure) and also a perscription for Minocycline 100mg to be taken once a day after I had finished the other antibiotics so as to clear my acne. Well I am about 2 weeks into my treatment and it is working wonders. The only down side is that I can't really eat much dairy food without feeling very sick and because I can't take calcium supliments while on it I am having to drink lots of soya milk (yuck!). The doctor told me however that it could take as long as 6 weeks or 2 months for the Minocycline to start working. Just stick with it!

Good Luck,
Patrick

[Catherine]

I am 37 years old and I have been taking Minocycline for acne for approx. 2 mos. 100 mg/ day.  It was a 60 day Rx and I just found out I am 6 weeks pregnant.  I stopped the Rx immediately but I am afraid of what damage may have been done to my baby.  Do you have any information on this?
Thank you.

[lora]

I always had perfect skin and then started breaking out bad from stress in college.  My face was covered with acne and it stayed for a couple years, even though the stress was gone.  I went to many dermatologists who gave me minocycline, tetracycline, and about anything else you can think of and nothing helped at all.  I finally went to one dermatologist who used glycolic acid based treatments on my skin and they worked wonderful.  After a few months of using cleansers, and creams, my skin cleared up beautifully and didn't even leave scars.  Even the doctors were surprised.  It was also a lot cheaper and I didn't have to take any more pills.

[LeAnne]

Hi

I have been having problems with my skin over the past few months.  My beauty therapist couldn't work out why.  Finally she has.  I have a scalp problem (seborea) I think it is called.  Similar to adult cradle cap.  She believes that this is affecting my skin.  The doctor suggested using a lotion and also minocycline but I am worried about any side affects there may be and if it is worth it in the long run.

Thanks

[Dave Jan 2001]

Hi, ive been on minocycline 100mg since September and I am very happy with the results, however i have noticed that since i have started using the drug i have been sweating profusiously under my arms. Is this a result of the minocycline? and what are the other side effects of this drug in the long term?
thanks

[Josh Ising]

Hi, I'm a wrestler too and don't worry about minocylne.  It is a safe antibiotic when used with proactive.  It also has other elements.  You need strong abs and a nice toned chest, along with arms and a slim waist in order to look and feel great no matter what you wear.

[Oatsie]

Hi. Ive just started taking Roaccutane but have previously been on Minocycline for about 6 years. The Minocycline works great til i stop taking it, so im trying a possible long term change with Roaccutane. Can you tell me if its ok to take Minocycline whilst taking the Roaccutane just until the roaccutane kicks in? Ive been on the roaccutane for 3 weeks now.
Thanks heaps Tim.

[Hexdanlan]

A related discussion, Poison Oak and Minocycline was started.