Dermatological Side Effects of Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Therapy

ABSTRACT

As anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFalpha) agents are progressively being used in various medical conditions, dermatological adverse events have been encountered more frequently. To understand such dermatological conditions that have been documented while undergoing anti-TNF therapy, we reviewed relevant literature, including case reports and case series. Reported dermatological conditions included infusion and injection site reaction, cutaneous infection, psoriasiform eruption, dermatitis, allergic rash, lupus-like lesion, vasculitis, lichenoid reaction, granulomatous reaction, hair loss, cutaneous infection, and cutaneous neoplasm. These events had varying strengths of causal association and severity therefore, drug discontinuation may or may not be required.