Bug bite reaction

[ReneeSusan]

Hi Everyone

started Venetoclax last Thursday and on Sunday got bit by something and as usual I have a bad reaction. Swollen foot and .3 big blisters the size of quarters filled with fluid. One blister is still large and filled and won't drain. I've been using triple antibiotic ointment on the open sores and blister, but the blister looks and feel hard. Contacted my doc at UPENN and they don't recommend doing anything other than antibiotic ointment. The last time this happened Amy PMD put me on an antibiotic. Anyone know how I can get this last blister to drain? My foot hurts when I put a shoe on because it rubs the blister even the I have it covered.

Renee

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Given neutropenia is a known side effect of Venetoclax, you do not want to have an open wound from a draining or burst blister on your foot, where there's a significant risk of bacterial or fungal infections becoming established. Do what you can to keep the blister intact until it resolves naturally would be my (non-medically qualified) suggestion, and keep your sores and blister clean and covered with bandaids/bandages. I share your concern at your doctor's advice and frankly would ask for a second opinion.

Keep a close look out for any worsening in your condition, in particular any red streaks leading up your leg from your blisters: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Neil

[ReneeSusan in reply to AussieNeil]

Thanks Neil, I am cleaning and changing bandages 3times a day. 1 blister still intact with redness around it. Two blisters drained and there are open sores. I have been cleaning with peroxide, alcohol and then use triple antibiotic ointment. But I share the same concern, just wished my doc did. Will see him a Thursday, maybe he'll have a different opinion after he sees it.

Renee

[maggiesgrandmom]

My dr. says I have to be on an oral antibiotic for any cut or scrape and you certainly need something for this. I got septic reaction twice just from accidentally scratching myself. Call your GP before you get a cellulitis or septicemia.

[BellaBee10]

I got blisters when I had cellulitis in my foot. If the swelling in your foot gets worse/not better, get yourself seen to straight away.

[ReneeSusan]

Here at aUPENN now for next Venetoclax dose. Waiting for doc to check out my foot. He seemed so disinterested over the phone. Don't want to go to a hospital ER, the chances of getting an infection increase there, and most ER docs don't know the first thing about Venetoclax or the drugs that interact with then. Hoping my onc prescribes something today.

Renee

[Hoffy]

I am on Venetoclax and my itching and reaction to bites has gone down.

I have had some foot blisters. DON'T break them if you can. They go down and heal better if they are not popped. Maybe where loser shoes for a bit.

Benadryl cream seems to help to. Steroid cream helps too.

[starsafta]

Just found this post, Renee. I've been getting huge, hard, raised blisters after 22 months on Ibrutinib. Interesting that you had them with Venetoclax, as I've been wondering if my time with Ibrutinib is up, and I should switch to V. Mine seem to develop on some of my bug bites.

You left us hanging in your last post. I would appreciate knowing what your doctor said about your blisters, what he thinks caused them, and whether you still get them. How are you doing on V?

[ReneeSusan]

Hi Starsafta

I had those nasty reactions before and after Venetoclax. My doc at UPENN was very Blaise about the reaction until he saw it and then immediately prescribed Levawuin! One of my oncologists told me it is our bodies response because of CLL/SLL. I can say after 10 months on Ven, I don’t have that same reaction to bug bites. My body is now responding normally for the first time in years. I am in remission after 10 months on Venetoclax.

Happy 4th!

Renee