Erythema multiforme associated with gemfibrozil monotherapy.

BACKGROUND

A case of erythema multiforme associated with gemfibrozil monotherapy.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

A 46-year-old man with hyperlipidemia was treated with 600 mg gemfibrozil twice a day. On the fifth day of treatment, skin lesions consistent with erythema multiforme appeared. With the discontinuation of the treatment and start of a topical steroid treatment, the lesions recovered after 4 weeks. After 6 months, when gemfibrozil therapy was restarted, lesions reappeared on the fourth day of therapy. Lesions recovered again following the previous treatment strategies after 4 weeks. An objective casualty assessment suggests that erythema multiforme was probably related to gemfibrozil monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Patients starting gemfibrozil therapy should be warned about the occurrence of erythema multiforme in addition to previous reported and established side effects.