Drug-induced lupus (DIL) is a syndrome with features similar to idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) . The mechanism is not known and it may vary depending on the particular medication. It is not clear if DIL exacerbates symptoms in preexisting lupus, induces lupus in susceptible patients, or causes a distinct entity of DIL. Regardless of the pathway, the pathology is enhanced autoimmunity.

Common symptoms are fever, myalgias, rash, and arthralgias . Systemic organ involvement (renal, hematologic, central nervous system) is less common than with SLE. A cutaneous lupus can also be seen in which the skin eruptions are more widespread than in idiopathic cutaneous lupus. In DIL, autoantibodies (antinuclear antibodies and other lupus specific antibodies) are elevated as in idiopathic SLE.