Japanese guideline on thalidomide usage in the management of erythema nodosum leprosum

Abstract

Treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL, type 2 reaction) using thalidomide provides effective alternative choice to steroid therapy. Yet, the Japanese National Health Insurance approves thalidomide prescription only for the treatment of multiple myeloma under the Thalidomide Education and Risk Management System (TERMS®). Benefit of thalidomide therapy for patients with ENL is already an established fact based on various reports from other countries, but limited experiences and standards in Japan have hindered application of the medication to our patients. This led us to compose a local guideline. Based on and following the TERMS®, we suggest starting thalidomide from 50-100mg/day and then onwards adjusting the dose according to the symptoms of each patient, not to exceed the maximum recommended dose of 300mg/day, for the treatment of ENL.