Mechanism of Action
Adverse Events
High Yield (Bold Alikhan)
Eruptions as AE
100

IL-[number] is decreased when treating with cyclosporine

IL-2 is decreased when treating with cyclosporine. This leads to a decrease in CD4 and CD8 T-cell activation.

100

The two common SE of dupilumab are:

The two common SE of dupilumab are conjunctivitis and keratitis. 

IL-13 inhibitors appear to have lower conjunctivitis risk than dupilumab.

100

-------- may be added to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for increased therapeutic effect

Quinacrine 

CQ and HCQ should not be given together 


100

this eruption [name eruption] is an adverse effect of this -------- cytotoxic agent

Dermatomyositis-like eruption in the setting of hydroxyurea therapy

200

Mycophenolate mofetil inhibits ----------- [name enzyme] which is a key enzyme for the de novo synthesis of ------ [purines vs pyrimidines]; essential in activated lymphocytes which cannot use purine salvage

Mycophenolate mofetil inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase which is a key enzyme for the de novo synthesis of purines; essential in activated lymphocytes which cannot use purine salvage

200

What type of neuropathy is associated with dapsone?

Bonus: is this damage reversible or irreversible?

peripheral neuropathy (predominantly distal motor) + some degree of sensory involvement; may present as wasting of hand muscles 

reversible if detected early

200

Most patients treated with dapsone for dermatitis herpetiformis rapidly respond within [time frame].

Most patients treated with dapsone for dermatitis herpetiformis rapidly respond within 24 to 36 hours.


Bonus: dapsone inhibits myeloperoxidase leading to decreased oxidative damage in various neutrophilic dermatoses

200

This cutaneous eruption [name eruption] risk is much greater in ----------- [dermatomyositis vs lupus] patients on anti-malarial agents

Risk is much greater of morbilliform hypersensitivity eruptions in dermatomyositis (31%) than lupus (3%)

300

What is the MOA of crisaborole and roflumilast? 

Name the four inflammatory mediators affected?

Inhibit PDE-4 --> increased cAMP --> decreased IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-23 and increased IL-10

300

Name at least four cutaneous adverse events associated with TNF-alpha inhibitors?

Psoriasis 

Palmoplantar pustulosis 

connective tissue disease (+ANA, lupus, DM) 

cutaneous vasculitis 

Bonus: highest risk of drug-induced lupus with infliximab. treatment is withdrawal of the drug.

300

Reduction in activity of these two enzymes [name enzymes] leads to increased azathioprine levels and increased risk of myelosuppression

decreased activity of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) or xanthine oxidase leads to increased azathioprine levels and increased risk of myelosuppression

300

this adverse event is due to ---------- [name medication]

Cyclosporine can precipitate gout because it can cause hyperuricemia

Bonus: some attendings check urine acid, Mg, and K at baseline for cyclosporine

400

Ustekinumab inhibits ------- [which p-subunit] of IL- and IL (name interleukins)

Ustekinumab inhibits p40 of IL-12 and IL23.

400

Name at least three carcinomas of increased risk in the setting of cyclophosphamide treatment?

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (thus monitoring periodic urine analysis with cytologic examination)

Non-hodgkin's lymphoma 

leukemia 

SCC (in transplant and oncology patients)


400

While monitoring kidney function on cyclosporine, this [% increase in Cre] should prompt decreasing dose by at least ------- mg/kg for 4 weeks.

While monitoring kidney function on cyclosporine, 30% increase in Cre should prompt decreasing dose by at least 1 mg/kg for 4 weeks

400

This adverse event [name AE] is seen in patients with RA on ------------ [name therapy]

MTX can cause accelerated nodule development in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. these are similar to RA nodules but are smaller and classically occur on fingers.
500

True or false

Rituximab binds both B cells and plasma cells, targeting the CD20

False 

Rituximab binds CD20 surface antigen on B cells but not plasma cells (do not express CD20)

500

When prescribing anakinra or other IL-1 inhibitors, monitor ----------- [name lab] as ----------- [name adverse outcome] can occur 

Important to monitor absolute neutrophil count as neutropenia can occur. 

500

-------- and --------- [two most notable adverse events due to cyclosporine] are both dose and duration dependent. they can be managed by medication rather than by dose reduction. prescription of choice are ---------- [name of class medication] because ----------- [reasoning].

HTN and nephrotoxicity are the two most notable AE due to cyclosporine. They are both dose and duration dependent. HTN can be managed by medication rather than by dose reduction. Prescription of choice = calcium channel blockers. CCB vasodilate renal arterioles and do not alter cyclosporine level.

500

------------- [name medical emergency] is due to ------- [name drug] and can be reversed using --------- [name treatment]

This is methemoglobinemia emergency due to dapsone. it can be treated with methylene blue.