Erythema multiforme-like eruption from a slimming drug preparation cutaneous adverse drug reaction

Abstract

We report a case of a 34-year-old woman presenting with an erythema multiforme (EM)-like eruption. Lesions developed after a 12-day treatment with a slimming drug preparation (food integrator with thermogenic activity) and a herbal remedy (pilosella tincture). Serological investigations excluded viral or bacterial infections. Patch testing with galenic preparations of both drugs demonstrated sensitization to the slimming drug preparation. According to literature reports and immune-chemical properties, those components that are likely to have triggered the skin eruption are clorazepate dipotassium and theobromine. Their interaction with other two constituents such as pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and dehydrocholic acid may have caused the adverse reaction by means of a summation effect. There are no reports specifically about EM caused by a slimming drug preparation and no studies have identified thermogenic pills as cause of EM/EM-like eruption. Weight-loss compounds in slimming preparations should be kept in mind as a possible cause of drug-induced EM-like eruption.