Tenofovir-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a patient with acute hepatitis B: A rare case report

Objective: To report a rare case of a hepatitis B patient who developed the Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) secondary to tenofovir use.

Case summary: A 61-year-old woman presented with complaints of jaundice, difficulty in swallowing, and burning sensation all over the body along with erythematous polymorphic rash on the face, upper limbs, and trunk. She was diagnosed with SJS secondary to tenofovir. The causality of adverse drug reaction was assessed using the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre causality scale, and adverse drug reaction was found to be probable. Tenofovir was withdrawn and the patient was conservatively managed.

Practice implications: Through the observation of this event, we could figure out the association between tenofovir and SJS. Prompt withdrawal of the offending agent and the initiation of therapy with systemic corticosteroids and supportive medication were found to be effective.