Side effects of minocin

For over three years now, I have been taking minocine as part of my treatment for rosecea.  Minocine, in combination with metrogel has kept the rosacea under good control.  However, in the last four months or so I have had a noticeable darkening of the skin around my temples and upper side cheeks.  It almost looks like bruising, with a hint of yellowish pigmentation in some areas.  My dermatologist did not recognize the condition, but my internist suggested that it might be a side effect of minocine.  As a test of that theory, I discontinued the minocine in mid February but have not seen any change in the discoloration.  Is this condition common with minocine?  Is there another explanation?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The side-effect is not common, but minocycline can cause hyperpigmentation (extra pigment.)  You ought to stop the medicine and contact your dermatologist.  If minocycline is the most likely cause--and frankly, no other one springs to mind--then over a period of months the pigment should go away.  The dermatologist can prescribe medicine for it if needed.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[arbindo]

This is one of the better known complications of prolonged Minocin treatment. It could produce a blue-grey discoloration.It usually does not appear before 8 months of treatment with a total cumulative dose exceeding 70gm. It is reversible however but may take months.