Hello all! After my first bout of treatment ( Bendamustine + Retuximab ) one of the pills I have to take is Allopurinol 300mg.

[maureenmckeown]

It is an enzyme inhibitor which is for controlling uric acid build up. I have been taking one a day for 8 days. 2 days ago my left bicep began to ache and has since become swollen, hard and red. It is also hot to the touch. Should I be worried? Has anyone else experienced this reaction?

Best wishes

Maureen

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Maureen you should contact your doctor as soon as possible to advise him of your problem.

Might be anything... but you need it checked out. ASAP.

Hope you are drinking lots of water.

~chris

[PaulaS Volunteer]

I agree with Chris - check it out ASAP - tonight if possible.

[PaulaS Volunteer]

Maureen, maybe you could phone NHS direct and talk to someone there.

Paula

[PaulaS Volunteer]

Sorry Maureen, thinking this over, I really think you should phone NHS immediately (or even consider going to A&E).

[MartyR]

Maureen, I am receiving B + R at the moment (+ other drugs.) My oncology dept has given me a telephone No should I have ANY reaction or my temperature rises above 38C.

Don't wait any longer get in touch and seek medical help!

Marty

[maureenmckeown in reply to MartyR]

Thanks Marty. My oncology department did give me helpline number. Unfortunately they don't answer or ring back. I will be taking this up with them tomorrow. I have organized an appointment with my GP via NHS Direct for tomorrow.

Many thanks

Maureen

[MartyR]

Maureen, that's good news about the appointment - make sure YOU are happy with the outcome OR insist on seeing your Consultant. (And get that emergency number sorted. -I have used mine twice !)

Nice quiet day for me today - four / five hours of B + R infusion @ day care unit - then guess what - the same on Friday - but it's doing me so much good!

Keep us uptodate ! Marty

[Berrytog]

Good morning Maureen

I thnk you have the best advice and Chris is probably in the right ballpark with hydration, I have been taking Alloplurinol for twenty years for gout and now for my treatment and never had such a problem.

R

[bkoffman CLL CURE Hero]

Remember I can not give medical advice and you must run all my suggestions by your treating doctors.Allopurinol can be associated with life threatening rashes. Although very rare, I have seen a patient die from this reaction. If here is any rash at all, I would stop it immediately and contact your doctor urgently.

[maureenmckeown in reply to bkoffman]

Thank you bk. My GP thinks it is a harmless fatty growth with a vein passing over it that may be affected by phlebitis. This could account for the reddening and localized heat. He said infusions can cause this.

Regards

Maureen

[PaulaS Volunteer]

Hi Maureen, It was great to hear you've been to your GP this morning. But I hope you get it sorted out with that Oncology helpline, possibly for a second opinion, or just to check why they didn't answer or get back to you yesterday.

Thinking of you,

Paula

[maureenmckeown in reply to PaulaS]

Hi Paula

In A&E right now getting a second opinion! Thanks for the advice from you and everyone see. Much appreciated.

Maureen