Recently I have been undergoing tests as I’m long overdue. In getting tests done by new rheumatologist it appears likely that I have drug induced lupus.
Since so many symptoms are overlapping with fibro, I thought it was worth posting some information. Suggest that you look at medications you are on and compare to the list of drugs that can cause drug induced lupus. This information can be googled.
In my case, Minocyclene(an antibiotic) was prescribed for acne and blood work wasn’t done for over a year. Since stopping Minocyclene I have not noticed a change of fibro symptoms. However, I’m still hopeful things might change
Be Well,
Sunny
information from the Internet:
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 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