Related Experiment Videos
Lichenoid drug eruption probably associated with rofecoxib
Nada A Abu-Shraie1, Abdullah A Alfadley
1Department of Pharmacy Services, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Nada@kfshrc.edu.sa
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|March 18, 2004
Summary
This case report details a rare lichenoid drug eruption (LDE) likely caused by rofecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. The patient
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Lichenoid drug eruptions (LDE) are uncommon adverse reactions to various medications.
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are frequently used for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old woman developed a distinctive skin rash, including linear plaques and violaceous papules, after six months of rofecoxib therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
- The patient also presented with a hyperpigmented macule on her buccal mucosa.
Findings:
- Skin biopsy confirmed lichenoid drug eruption (LDE).
- Cessation of rofecoxib led to complete resolution of all skin lesions within two months.
- Rofecoxib was identified as the probable causative agent for the LDE.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported instance of rofecoxib-induced lichenoid drug eruption in the English literature.
- Highlights the importance of considering less common drug reactions when evaluating cutaneous adverse events.
- Suggests that COX-2 inhibitors, including rofecoxib, may be associated with LDE.