Autoimmune Disease Associated with Minocycline

Minocycline-induced autoimmunity is rare but can be chronic and serious.

Minocycline is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris. In a 10-year retrospective study, investigators at a single pediatric rheumatology service describe symptoms of minocycline-induced autoimmunity (MIA) in 27 patients (age range, 13–18 years) who had histories of using minocycline for acne and clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of autoimmunity.

All patients had presenting symptoms that included fever, weight loss, and malaise. Minocycline therapy preceded symptoms by a mean of 13 months (range, 3–48 months), and symptoms were present for a mean of 4.3 months before diagnosis. Of the 27 patients, 81% had polyarthralgia and 62% had polyarthritis. During a mean of 22 months after discontinuation of minocycline and use of immunosuppres…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)