Adverse Dermatological Reaction to Mycophenolate Mofetil in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case...

BACKGROUND Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that has been reported to cause skin rashes. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is also associated with typical discoid skin lesions. This report describes the case of a 50-year-old woman with a 6-year history of SLE presenting with a 6-day history of fever and skin rash after starting treatment with MMF. CASE REPORT The patient was admitted to the hospital due to fever. Due to intolerance to cyclosporine treatment and non-compliance with treatment for half a year, the doctor determined that her SLE was active and prescribed MMF. After receiving MMF treatment, she suddenly developed drug-induced dermatitis, characterized by fever, nausea, vomiting, and diffuse erythematous rash. After stopping MMF and treating with corticosteroids and antihistamines for 8 days, her symptoms rapidly resolved. When MMF treatment was restarted, the same symptoms and rash reappeared. The fever and vomiting disappeared 1 day after drug withdrawal, confirming the association between the drug and adverse reactions. No recurrence of the rashes was observed at 2-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights an uncommon adverse effect of MMF and describes the onset and characteristics of the associated drug-induced dermatosis. Early identification and discontinuation of MMF are crucial for managing these adverse events and preventing long-term complications.