Leflunomide-induced Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) - A Case Report

It is of paramount importance to identify a case of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) as it’s potentially life-threatening. Although initially and commonly reported with anticonvulsants, the list of potential causative agents for DRESS has substantially widened over the years. We present a patient with a novel case of DRESS due to the use of leflunomide, which was successfully managed with prompt cessation of the drug and timely commencement of steroids. Leflunomide, widely used as an immunomodulatory agent in rheumatoid arthritis, has a long half-life, which leads to a prolonged course of DRESS in this case.