title: Valdecoxib-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient allergic to sulfa drugs.
abstract: A 55-year-old Caucasian woman with a previously documented sulfa allergy was admitted to the hospital after she developed toxic epidermal necrolysis; she had been taking valdecoxib for 8 days for knee pain. Four days later, her bullous lesions had progressed to 45-50% of her body surface area. She was transferred to a burn unit for aggressive wound care and fluid hydration. Valdecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, is a benzenesulfonamide prescribed for arthritis pain and inflammation, and dysmenorrhea. Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing valdecoxib to patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Shenandoah University, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601, USA. dglasser@su.edu
authors.forename: Denise L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Glasser
authors.forename: Susan H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Burroughs
mesh_terms: D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000096926:Benzenesulfonamides
chemical_list: D007555:Isoxazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; C406224:valdecoxib; D000096926:Benzenesulfonamides