Trends in Spironolactone Prescribing Among Young Women
March 27, 2025
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2 min
4 Key Takeaways
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1
Increase in spironolactone prescriptions for androgen-related dermatologic conditions among young women and girls aged 12 to 40 years from 2000 to 2020.
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2
Acne, hirsutism, and polycystic ovary syndrome were the most common diagnoses.
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3
Off-label use of spironolactone has become widespread for these dermatologic conditions, usually requiring higher doses than those used for cardiovascular indications.
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4
Further safety research is needed to evaluate high-dose spironolactone use in younger populations.
A cohort study analyzing data from the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database found a substantial increase in spironolactone prescriptions among young women and girls aged 12 to 40 years from 2000 to 2020. The standardized monthly mean incidence of new prescriptions rose significantly, primarily for androgen-related dermatologic conditions such as acne, hirsutism, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Off-label use for these dermatologic conditions has become widespread, often requiring higher doses than those typically used for cardiovascular indications. Further safety research is needed to evaluate high-dose spironolactone use in younger populations.
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