A case of lupus‐like syndrome in a patient receiving adalimumab and a brief review of the literature on drug‐induced lupus erythematosus

Summary What is known and objective Drug‐induced lupus erythematosus occurs with some drugs and resolves with their withdrawal. Anti‐TNF therapies have been found to be associated with a lupus‐like syndrome, which is clinically distinct from classical drug‐induced as well as idiopathic lupus erythematosus. Case description We describe a case of a patient with severe psoriasis, who developed muscle pain with paraesthesia accompanied by ANA titres elevation with adalimumab treatment. The condition resolved after adalimumab cessation, and the patient was started on ustekinumab with good results. What is new and conclusion Ustekinumab might be a useful treatment option for patients with a history of TNF‐induced lupus‐like syndrome. Drug‐induced lupus erythematosus is a lupus‐like syndrome similar to idiopathic lupus erythematosus that occurs when certain drugs are taken and resolves after their withdrawal. Anti‐TNF α therapies have been found to be associated with a lupus‐like syndrome, which is clinically distinct from both classical drug‐induced lupus erythematosus and idiopathic form. We describe a case of a female patient with severe psoriasis, who developed muscle pain with paraesthesia accompanied by ANA titres elevation under adalimumab treatment. The condition resolved after adalimumab cessation.