Long-term use of which drug may cause a drug-induced lupus-type eruption?

• A. Prednisone
• B. Tetracycline
• C. Procainamide
• D. Oral contraceptives

Answer: (C)

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus can arise from certain medications that trigger an autoimmune-like reaction with continued use. Among the options, procainamide is a classic culprit with long-term use, leading to a lupus-like eruption. The body may develop autoantibodies, especially antihistone antibodies, and patients often experience symptoms such as fever, arthralgias, and a lupus-like rash. A key point is that this reaction typically resolves when the offending drug is stopped, which helps differentiate it from true systemic lupus. The other drugs listed are not classically associated with this drug-induced lupus syndrome: prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation, tetracycline is more known for photosensitivity, and oral contraceptives do not commonly cause a lupus-like eruption.