Terbinafine-induced Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Oral terbinafine is licensed for use in onychomycosis after positive confirmation of infection. We describe five cases of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus associated with terbinafine therapy. All cases had positive antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens, predominantly anti-Ro, and several had a history of pre-existing autoimmune disease. Terbinafine should only be prescribed after confirmation of infection by microscopy or culture.