What is known and objective: Allopurinol is widely used for hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis, but is associated with cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs). HLA-B*58:01 is a highly specific and effective genetic marker for the detection of allopurinol-induced CADRs, especially for Asian descents.
Case summary: A 60-year-old Chinese Han male patient took allopurinol for lowering uric acid after the negative result from HLA-B*58:01 testing. Then, he experienced episodes of well-demarcated pruritic erythematous patches on the whole body that developed into blisters and pustular eruption. Fixed drug eruption (FDE) was diagnosed by skin biopsy and improved with withdrawal and hormone treatments.
What is new and conclusion: It should be kept in mind that cutaneous drug eruption might occur after allopurinol administration in Asians of HLA-B*58:01 negative. Awareness among medical practitioners about FDE can lead to correct diagnosis, treatment and decreased damage as well as lower therapeutic costs.
Keywords: HLA genotyping; allopurinol; fixed drug eruption.
© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.