Severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction to ibuprofen occurring after prolonged therapy.

A 23-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus had a severe hypersensitivity reaction to the drug ibuprofen. The reaction, documented by rechallenge during hospitalization, was characterized by marked hypotension, fever, rigors, conjunctivitis, meningitis, nausea, arthralgias, and leukopenia. In addition to illustrating the potential diagnostic confusion with infection or lupus flare, this case is of interest in that the reaction developed suddenly despite the patient's uneventful use of the drug for over two years. Collected cases are reviewed from the literature, and the common features are summarized.