Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
Definition
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that is brought on by a reaction to medication.
See also: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Causes
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus resembles systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It results from a hypersensitivity reaction to a medication. The drug may react with cell materials, causing the body to form antibodies that attack the body's own healthy cells.
Several medications are known to cause drug-induced lupus. They include:
- Chlorpromazine
- Hydralazine
- Isoniazid
- Methyldopa
- Penicillamine
- Procainamide
- 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 neurological disease, are rare.
Drug-induced lupus affects men and women equally.
References
Harris ED, Budd RC, Genovese MC, Firestein GS, Sargent JS, Sledge CB. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005:1183, 1598.
Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby. 2001:1270.
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