An update on drug-induced arthritis.

A large and heterogeneous group of drugs can cause drug-induced arthritis. No single pathogenetic mechanism or drug class unifies these diverse culprits. Recognizing that joint symptoms may, in fact, be drug-related not only saves time and unnecessary investigations but can also prevent needless suffering and morbidity due to late recognition of a drug-induced arthritic condition. The extent of drug-induced arthritis is variable and ranges from minor short-lived and reversible arthralgia to a prolonged and occasionally destructive arthritis. The onset of arthritis due to various medications in relation to the timing of drug initiation is also variable and may range from a few days to several months.