Drug-Induced Autoimmunity

Drug-induced autoimmunity encompasses a wide range of serological and clinical manifestations that develop after exposure to a drug. The typical and most studied example is drug-induced lupus (DIL). Although autoimmunity secondary to drugs has been recognized for over 70 years, introducing new drugs has extended the spectrum and severity of clinical manifestations. Several drugs are associated with the induction of antinuclear and anti-DNA antibodies. Still, clinical lupus is rare, and several drugs are associated with antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis. Diagnosing these conditions is complex and requires carefully eliminating other possible conditions. Although rare cases of life-threatening autoimmune diseases have been described, most cases are mild and resolve after the offending drug is discontinued.