Causes

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is similar to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to a medication.

The most common medications known to cause drug-induced lupus include: isoniazid, hydralazine, and procainamide. Other medications known to cause drug-induced lupus, include:

• Anti-seizure medications
• Capoten
• Chlorpromazine
• Etanercept
• Infliximab
• Methyldopa
• Minocycline
• Penicillamine
• Quinidine
• Sulfasalazine

Symptoms tend to occur after taking the drug for at least 3 to 6 months.

Persons with drug-induced lupus erythematosus may have symptoms that affect the joints (arthritis), heart, and lungs. Other symptoms associated with SLE, such as lupus nephritis and nervous system (neurological) disease, are rare.

Symptoms

• Blurred vision
• Fever
• General ill feeling (malaise)
• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Pleuritic chest pain
• Skin rash
  • Gets worse with sunlight
  • "Butterfly" rash across bridge of nose and cheeks
• Weight loss

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will listen to your chest with a stethoscope. The doctor may hear a sound called a heart friction rub or pleural friction rub. There may be signs of pericarditis.

A skin exam shows a rash.

Tests that may be done include:

• Antihistone antibody
• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) panel

A chest x-ray may show signs of pleuritis or pericarditis. An ECG may show that the heart is affected.

Treatment

Usually, symptoms go away within several days to weeks after stopping the medication that caused the condition.

Treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat arthritis and pleurisy
• Corticosteroid creams to treat skin rashes
• Antimalarial drugs (hydroxychloroquine) to treat skin and arthritis symptoms

Very rarely, high doses of corticosteroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone) and immune system suppressants (azathioprine or cyclophosphamide) are used to treat persons with severe drug-induced lupus that affects the heart, kidney, and neurological system.

Protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is usually not as severe as SLE. Usually, the symptoms go away within a few days to weeks after stopping the medication.

You should avoid the medication in the future, or symptoms usually return. Routine eye exams are recommended to detect eye complications early.

Possible Complications

• Infection
• Thrombocytopenia purpura -- bleeding near the skin surface, resulting from a low number of platelets in the blood
• Hemolytic anemia
• Myocarditis
• Pericarditis

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not improve after you stop taking the medication that caused the condition
• You develop new symptoms

Prevention

Be aware of the risk when taking medications that are known to cause this reaction. If symptoms begin to appear, contact your doctor.

Alternative Names

Lupus - drug induced

References

Wright B, Bharadwaj S, Abelson A. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In: Carey WD, ed. Cleveland Clinic: Current Clinical Medicine 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010.

Update Date: 4/28/2012

Reviewed by: Ariel D. Teitel, M.D., M.B.A., Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.