minocycline hyperpigmentation

Hi.  I have been on minocycline since I was 21 (now 29) for acne.  I recently went to a new family practice Dr.  While I was there he noticed I was on mino and asked how long I'd been taking it.  I told him my acne treatment history.  He pointed out that my shines were green (look like bruises).  He asked how long I'd had those "bruises".  I replyed that they'd been there longer then normal.  Months maybe.  He informed me about minocycline induced hyprepigmentation and advised me to call my derm dr. asap.  I did as soon as I got home and she took me off the mino immediately.  Later that week I was brushing my teeth and happened to venture up a little further and noticed my upper gum line looked funny.  I rinsed my mouth out and pulled up my upper lip to expose my gum line.  And there it was...blue gums!!!  I called my derm dr. again a little upset and she said yes that's probably from the mino treatment too.  I just don't know what to do from here.  Is there some organization I should make aware of the adverse effects this has had on my body?  I don't want this to happen to anyone else.  I was completely unaware of these possible risks.  I would have been looking for changes or maybe not been on mino at all if I would've known this was possible!  My derm dr. knew my history and still prescribed this medication to me.  100mg twice a day (a very high dose).  Thanks for your help!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

The adverse effects from minocycline hydrochloride treatment are uncommon, but there are few reported cases of hyperpigmentation as a side effect of its use. The cutaneous hyperpigmentation usually resolves after cessation of the drug. Tooth discoloration, however, generally remains. Pigmentation associated with minocycline most often appears in patients after long-term therapy, usually at doses greater than 100 mg per day. This link may be helpful in understanding this side effect:http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0689/is_n2_v41/ai_17276571

It is important to let patients know about this possible side effect, and the minocycline discontinued if hyperpigmentation develops. With your post, it will surely generate a lot of awareness regarding his matter.

Take care and regards.

[slk41]

I was put on solodyn (long acting minocycline) for a few bumps I had under my armpit that looked like acne.  Nothing major.  I was on 65 mg a day.  After about 4 weeks I was noticing my teeth looked a little gray.  I assumed it was from the red wine I was drinking.  After 6 weeks I noticed my hair was a little thinner so I stopped the drug.  The red bumps were gone after 2 weeks but I was told to continue the medicine to make sure it doesn't come back.  I was never told that discoloration of adult teeth occurs in 3-6% of adults.  Although this is somewhat rare, I was one of the lucky few.  My teeth have a blue/gray discoloration and in certain lighting look very unattractive.  It is very light but I can definitely see it.  My dentist also confirmed it is there.  I know tooth discoloration is normally permanent.  Please let me know if anyone has experienced this and if it did go away.  I'm hoping because I was only on it for 7 weeks this will go away.  I started bleaching but it doesn't appear to be helping.  Thank you.