Tag: Procainamide

Affecting an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 people annually in the United States, drug-induced lupus (DIL) is an autoimmune-like syndrome triggered by exposure to certain medications. While the list of potentially causative agents is extensive and constantly evolving with new treatments, definitive links exist for many common drugs. Understanding what causes drug-induced lupus is crucial for both healthcare providers and patients to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.

Up to 15% of completely healthy people have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, but certain drugs can also trigger this result [1.4.1]. Understanding what medications can give you a positive ANA is crucial for accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary concern.

Approximately 6–12% of all lupus cases in the United States are estimated to be drug-induced. This phenomenon raises an important question for patients and clinicians alike: **What medications cause a positive ANA?** The answer lies in understanding how certain drugs can trigger the immune system to produce autoantibodies, mimicking autoimmune conditions.