A mechanism-based classification of dermatologic reactions to biologic agents used in the treatment of cutaneous disease: Part 2.

Biologic therapies are an efficacious new method of controlling a number of chronic conditions. Data regarding these medications continues to emerge, giving clinicians a greater understanding of their side effects profiles. The biologic agents used in dermatology, particularly the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, have a number of varied dermatologic side effects. In this two-part article, we perform a review of literature regarding cutaneous side effects of infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, rituximab, efalizumab, and alefacept. In this second part, we discuss injection site reactions, infusion reactions, vasculitis, drug-induced lupus erythematosus, psoriasiform lesions, rebound phenomenon, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and hypersensitivity reactions.