Erythema multiforme with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: a class effect?

Erythema multiforme during anti–tumor necrosis factor treatment for plaque psoriasis

“…This theory is also supported by the case reported by Vergara et al 8 of a patient who developed EM with both infliximab and etanercept. However, Kain et al 6 reported the development of EM in a patient treated with infliximab for ankylosing spondylitis, which did not recur upon commencement of etanercept 3 months later. This particular case report suggests that EM does not invariably occur upon rechallenge with an alternative TNF-a inhibitor.…”

“…Kain et al 6 reported a case of a 32-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who developed EM after her second dose of etanercept. The patient was not reported to have any active or latent HSV infection at the time of the EM episode.…”

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthritides

“…The question has been raised whether the occurrence of erythema multiforme in patients treated with anti-TNF therapy should be considered a class effect [94]. As this has been rarely observed so far, this cannot be definitely stated at present.…”

Dermatological complications and safety of anti-TNF treatments

“…Rare reactions including EM, TEN and SJS have been reported with etanercept, adalimumab and infliximab 4 6 41 42. A FDA Drug Safety Newsletter presents 50 cases that occurred with TNF blockade through 2006: 32 cases of EM, 11 cases of SJS, five cases of TEN, and two combined cases 43.…”