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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does chemotherapy drugs bring on Lupus years later?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bakersfield, CA
March 2
 · 
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A MyLupusTeam Member

The newer "checkpoint inhibitor" class of chemo drugs can induce autoimmune disease and SLE, Donna. Some of the older chemo drugs have been reported to cause cutaneous (skin) lupus, but it generally resolves once the chemo stops.

March 3
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member, hi. Good to know information! As I had chemo therapy for my colon cancer back in 2017. One of my drugs was on the list. 5-fluorouracil ( 5-FU ).
That one is the one I was questioning. I was given two others with this one.
Also, by the way, Walmart cottage cheese is on recall.
Thank you
Donna 😘

March 3
MyLupusTeam

Can chemotherapy drugs cause lupus years later?

Some chemotherapy drugs have been linked to drug-induced lupus, but this typically occurs during or shortly after treatment rather than years later. The condition usually clears up within six months of stopping the medication.

Cancer drugs that have been associated with an Show Full Answer

Can chemotherapy drugs cause lupus years later?

Some chemotherapy drugs have been linked to drug-induced lupus, but this typically occurs during or shortly after treatment rather than years later. The condition usually clears up within six months of stopping the medication.

Cancer drugs that have been associated with an increased risk of lupus include:
* Gemcitabine (Infugem)
* Docetaxel (Docivyx)
* Paclitaxel
* Tamoxifen (Soltamox)
* Fluorouracil
* Capecitabine (Xeloda)
* Doxorubicin with cyclophosphamide

Drug-induced lupus symptoms are generally milder than systemic lupus and typically resolve once the medication is stopped. If you're concerned about developing lupus after cancer treatment, it's important to discuss this with your oncologist or rheumatologist.

March 2

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