Question
Is there an increased incidence, or severity, of leukocytoclastic (allergic) vasculitis with etanercept use? It looks like mine reappeared(confirmed by biopsy)and significantly increased in severity after having to drop MTX due to a low white count. I’ve been on etanercept for 18 months. My doctor and I are suspecting a sulfite sensitivity that was previously controlled by MTX and even prednisone prior to that. The impressive rash we’ve recently seen come and go on my lower legs had only appeared as an occasional low-grade vascular rash several years ago. If there is an increased incidence with etanercept use, I would expect it to only show up in the non-MTX etanercept users. I wonder if the early days of etanercept mono-therapy show this?
Answer
I know that leukocytoclastic vasculitis has been reported but I do not know the frequency or relation to methotrexate use.
