A case of an acute cutaneous drug reaction with hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is considered a relatively benign drug and is regularly used by rheumatologists and dermatologists. We highlight the severe adverse drug reaction potential of this commonly prescribed medication. We report the case of a 63-year-old male, who presented with widespread skin eruption following initiation of hydroxychloroquine two weeks earlier for an inflammatory arthritis. He had typical clinical, biochemical and histological features of the now recognised formal ‘diagnosis’ of severe cutaneous adverse drug reaction. The culprit drug was stopped and he responded to oral and topical steroids as well as supportive measures. Severe reactions to hydroxychloroquine are uncommon; however, as in this case, drug hypersensitivity reactions often manifest in skin. In a drug normally considered to be safe, these potential cutaneous side effects should be highlighted in information given to patients prior to commencement.