Photosensitivity induced by fibric acid derivatives and its relation to photocontact dermatitis to ketoprofen.
BACKGROUND
Photosensitivity reactions to fibric acid derivatives are not well understood and have been rarely reported.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe two cases of photosensitivity, one induced by fenofibrate and one by bezafibrate; to study the in vivo photosensitizing potential of these drugs; and to evaluate the possibility of cross-reactivity between fenofibrate and ketoprofen.


METHODS
Patch and photopatch tests with fibric acid derivatives and ketoprofen were performed in the patients, in 12 normal volunteers, and in 7 patients with photopatch-proven photocontact dermatitis to ketoprofen. Phototesting studies were performed both while the patients were taking the drugs and after withdrawal of them, as well as in a group of 18 hyperlipemic volunteers without history of photosensitivity who were taking therapeutic doses of fenofibrate or bezafibrate for 2 to 3 months.


RESULTS
Positive photopatch test responses to ketoprofen and to fenofibrate were obtained only in the first patient, who also had a weaker positive ordinary patch test response to the latter. Five patients photosensitized to ketoprofen also had a positive patch test to fenofibrate. Phototesting studies were abnormal in both patients but normal in all volunteers.


CONCLUSIONS
An association between systemic photosensitivity to fenofibrate and photocontact sensitivity to ketoprofen seems to exist. The structural similarities of these chemicals favor cross-reactivity.
Serrano
G
G
Department of Dermatology (Unit of Photobiology), University General Hospital of Valencia, Spain.
Fortea
J M
JM
Latasa
J M
JM
Millan
F
F
Janes
C
C
Bosca
F
F
Miranda
M A
MA
D000368:Aged; D001629:Bezafibrate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D003429:Cross Reactions; D017454:Dermatitis, Photoallergic / Q000209:etiology*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D011345:Fenofibrate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy; D007660:Ketoprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000379:methods
D007660:Ketoprofen; D011345:Fenofibrate; D001629:Bezafibrate