Summary about Disease
Drug-induced lupus (DIL) is an autoimmune condition similar to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but it's triggered by certain medications. When the offending drug is stopped, the symptoms usually resolve.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Joint pain (arthralgia)
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Fatigue
Fever
Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs)
Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart)
Skin rashes (less common than in SLE)
Causes
DIL is caused by certain medications that trigger an autoimmune response. The most common culprit drugs include:
Hydralazine (used for high blood pressure)
Procainamide (used for heart arrhythmias)
Minocycline (an antibiotic)
Isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis)
Medicine Used
The primary treatment is discontinuing the offending medication. Other treatments, used as needed, include:
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain and inflammation
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) for more severe symptoms.
Is Communicable
No, drug-induced lupus is not communicable. It is not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
If you have a history of autoimmune diseases, discuss the potential risks of DIL with your doctor before starting new medications.
Be aware of the potential symptoms of DIL and report them to your doctor promptly.
How long does an outbreak last?
Symptoms typically resolve within weeks to months after discontinuing the offending drug. In some cases, symptoms may persist for longer, and treatment may be necessary.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
Reviewing the patient's medical history and medication list.
Evaluating symptoms.
Blood tests, including:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test (often positive, especially anti-histone antibodies)
Complete blood count (CBC)
Kidney and liver function tests
Complement levels
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline varies depending on the individual and the specific drug. Symptoms may develop gradually over weeks or months while taking the medication. They usually begin to improve within weeks to months after stopping the medication.
Important Considerations
DIL is often reversible, unlike SLE.
Early recognition and discontinuation of the offending drug are crucial for a favorable outcome.
Although rare, some cases of DIL can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney or lung problems.
It's important to differentiate DIL from SLE, as the treatment and prognosis may differ. Anti-dsDNA antibodies are usually negative in DIL.