The Effect of Isotretinoin-Induced Myalgia on Daily Quality of Life and Evaluation of Serum Creatine Phosphokinase Levels

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the myalgia observed as a side effect of isotretinoin used for severe and treatment-resistant moderate acne on patient quality of life and to investigate the relationship between serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels and myalgia in these patients. METHODS: Included in the study were 216 patients between the ages of 15 and 40 presenting to the outpatient clinic. During isotretinoin treatment, the effect of muscle pain on the daily quality of life of patients with myalgia was evaluated according to the myalgia severity level (0: N/A; 1: Significant in the morning but not preventing normal activity during the day; 2: Affecting normal activity during the day; 3: Preventing normal daily activities). CPK levels of patients included in the study were screened retrospectively from their files. RESULTS: Of the 216 patients included in the study, 124 were female, 92 were male and the mean age was 24+-5.3. Myalgia was detected in 48% of the patients (n: 104). Of the patients diagnosed with myalgia, 61.5% (n: 64) were classified as 1, 32.6% (n: 34) as 2 and 5.7% as 3. Serum CPK levels were elevated in 30.7% (n: 32) of the 104 myalgia patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Myalgia is a common side effect that can be seen in nearly half of patients during isotretinoin use. It was determined that the myalgia observed during isotretinoin use was at a tolerable level and had nosignificant effect on the daily quality of life. Although no correlation was found between myalgia and serum CPK levels.

Keywords

• isotretinoin
• myalgia
• creatine kinase