Lois Zhang, Margot Whitfeld, Nancy Todes-Taylor
The use of isotretinoin in the treatment of acne vulgaris is common practice within dermatology clinics as it is highly effective in moderate to severe cases. Side effects with treatment are generally well tolerated as low-dosing is becoming more favourable. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication of treatment with isotretinoin with only a few reported cases in the literature. We present a case where low-dose treatment in combination with vigorous exercise had induced rhabdomyolysis in an otherwise healthy 16-year-old male who had been on treatment for 5 months. His symptoms had primarily consisted of fatigue and myalgia which quickly resolved after cessation of medication and supportive treatment with fluids. This case highlights the importance of routine follow up and laboratory monitoring in a commonly treated skin disorder.