What is the difference between drug-induced lupus (DIL) and systemic lupus?

Systemic lupus is irreversible, whereas drug-induced lupus generally is reversible when the drug is discontinued. The symptoms of drug-induced lupus generally DO NOT include kidney involvement or central nervous system involvement

What drugs are most commonly associated with DIL?

There is just a short list of medications for which there is DEFINITE PROOF of an association with drug-induced lupus. The list includes 5 medications.

• Procainamide (pro-can-a-mide) brand names Procan or Pronestyl used for heart rhythm abnormalities
• Hydralazine (hi-dral-a-zine) brand name Apresoline or Apresazide used for high blood pressure
• Isoniazid (i-so-nye-a-zid) brand name INH used for tuberculosis
• Quinidine (quin-i-dean) used for heart rhythm abnormalities
• Phenytoin , brand name Dilantin used for convulsive disorders (seizures).

Are there other drugs that might cause DIL?

The overwhelming majority of cases of DIL are due to one of the 5 drugs mentioned earlier. There are other drugs, which might POSSIBLY be associated, but there is not yet definite proof of an association between them and drug-induced lupus. Check with your doctor to see if you are on any medication that might possibly explain your symptoms.

Should people diagnosed with SLE or Cutaneous lupus avoid taking the drugs associated with drug-induced Lupus?

Most of the drugs associated with DIL can be safely used in people with SLE or cutaneous lupus if there are no suitable alternatives.

How soon after taking the drug do the symptoms appear?

Drug-induced lupus requires months to years of frequent exposure to a drug before symptoms appear.

How soon after discontinuing the drug will the symptoms go away?

It varies from days, to weeks, to months. Usually symptoms fade after six months. The ANA may remain positive for years.