Rash with Imbruvica & Allopurinol

[TN2FL]

My 70 yo husband has been on Imbruvica (420) & Allopurinol for 3 months with little side effects other than occasional small patch of petechia which goes away next day. He has now developed patches of very itchy rash all over than range from a fist size area of welts to streaks of rash all over his back, legs & scalp. Waiting for dr office to respond. Anyone with similar experience?

[Jm954 Administrator]

Hi TN2FL,

I've just responded to you on another thread but the rash you describe is nothing like mine was.

**I would seriously consider that this could be shingles and you need it checked immediately and urgently - go to an Emergency Department if necessary.**

When shingles has been ruled out then you can sort out the rash.

Jackie

[TN2FL in reply to Jm954]

Thanks for your reply! Oncologist wants him to stop Imbruvica & Allopurinol to see if it’s a reaction. Definitely not shingles. Been there before & no pain this time just itching plus different presentation - no pustules & all over his body not just one side. Getting steroids for relief & sending him to dermatologist as well.

[Doggoneit101]

I was recently taken off Allpurinal for a rash that sounds very similar to what you are describing. My rash itched like crazy! I would scratch all night and left bruises up and down my legs. I started getting welps on my chest. I tried Claritan and Benedryl, drank more water, moisturizing soap but nothing helped. Doctor and pharmacist said it was the Allpurinal. The nurse reccomened I try Gold Bond Anti-Itch Lotion Intensive Relief and it actually helped. Hope this helps your husband.

[TN2FL in reply to Doggoneit101]

Thank you so very much! Your experience means more than you know! The oncologist told him to stop Imbruvica & Allopurinol (which we weren't happy about since stopping both wouldn't indicate which one was causing the issue). She sent us to a dermatologist who did a biopsy to make sure it was related to drug interaction. I kept suggesting it was possibly Allopurinol but my Dr. Google PHD degree isn't highly respected. Steroids & cream are helping a bit so far. Not a lot of experience with Imbruvica but chemo rashes are more common. Not the same but if we don't get satisfactory answers, we're heading back up to Moffit for more of an informed opinion.

[joe_C in reply to Doggoneit101]

With me it was the Alopurinal, taken off, steroid tmt put on another drug to fight gout. Good luck

[TN2FL in reply to joe_C]

He's been off both Alopurinol & Imbruvica for almost 2 weeks now till we see oncologist again. Immunologist friend says an HLA test will show if allergy to Alopurinol. Oncologist said she didn't know about it & would have to "look it up". Now his lymph nodes, which were completely gone down, are starting to enlarge again. Appt with oncologist in 2 days. Strongly thinking we need to go back to Moffit for more experienced opinion.