Skin reaction to Humira (adalimumab)

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Arthritis Rheum. 2004 May;50(5):1690-2.

Skin reaction to adalimumab.

Beuthien W, Mellinghoff HU, von Kempis J.

Kantonsspital St. Gallen, 9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland.

The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) inhibitors etanercept and

infliximab have shown good clinical results in the treatment of

rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. With these novel

fusion proteins, immune-mediated side effects, among them various

cutaneous reactions, have been encountered. We report herein the case of

an erythema multiforme-like skin reaction to treatment with the

monoclonal anti-TNFalpha antibody adalimumab in a patient with

rheumatoid arthritis. The reaction occurred after the sixth injection

and affected the palms and soles as well as the injection site.

Discontinuation of the adalimumab therapy resulted in rapid improvement

of the condition. Although this patient was receiving concomitant

immunomodulatory therapy with methotrexate and leflunomide, these

medications were not discontinued when the reaction developed, and no

other potential pathogenetic mechanisms were identified. We believe the

reaction is most likely attributable to adalimumab.

PMID: 15146441

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