A case of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus as a result of ranibizumab (Lucentis) treatment

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2013 Dec;61(12):752-4. doi: 10.4103/0301-4738.121133.

Abstract

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a previously undiagnosed side-effect of ranibizumab. Here, we present a case of an 82-year-old female Caucasian patient with wet age-related macular degeneration. Following a single intraocular injection of Lucentis (ranibizumab), she developed a subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus which, with treatment, took nearly 12 months to resolve. This shows that cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a potential side-effect of many medications, including ranibizumab, as in our case and, in an aging population where polypharmacy is a growing reality, clinicians should be aware of how to diagnose and best manage such cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / drug therapy
  • Macular Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Ranibizumab
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Ranibizumab