sulfa allergy/ reaction

[originalsweetie]

Hi there, just wondering if anybody out there with lupus has ever had a reaction to the drug sulfasolozine or any sulfa based antibiotics?

thanks

[Kazunlocked]

Yes I have. First signs were a rash on arms that G.P. thought was Lichen Planus from my B.P. tablets. Changed tabs, took biopsies & went to a dermatologist. Who started me on Plaquenil. This quickly escalated me into total body rash& sores, in agony & weak. Hospital 10 days, diagnosed with S. L. E. I was very ill & initially thought to have Stevens Johnson's syndrome. On Prednisilone 80mg for a long time & different immune suppressant (can't recall name). No real improvements till I saw Immunologist at P.A. Hospital in Brisbane. Changed to Cell Cept 2000mg & commenced taper of steroids (very slow taper). took a few years till I was stable. Now no steroids, Cell Cept reduced to 1500mg per day. Never returned to work, can drive & go out socially if very low key & I will generally sleep for day or two following. Apparently this is as good as it will get (for me). Around year 6 I started to be able to 'think' again & talk with spontaneity. This still goes to heck when tired.

Take it all seriously & seek answers, if you trust your Doctors be compliant with your meds. Best Wishes to you.

[originalsweetie in reply to Kazunlocked]

Thanks for your reply. Sounds like quite the ordeal, I am very sorry you had to go through this. What medication were you taking at the time that caused the reaction?

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Kazunlocked]

What a difficult time you have had. Unfortunately, unless a doctor actively looks for SLE, it is missed. Most people do not present with SLE in a "classic" way ie malar rash, positive ANA & lupus nephritis! Thus, it takes some women decades to find a diagnosis.

Be well!

Ros

[milkwoman]

I have not but due to the fact that I have SLE, my chart now states that I should avoid sulfa drugs. For patients with AI, sulfa can cause a flair so best to avoid.

[originalsweetie in reply to milkwoman]

Thank you for your response!

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Welcome to LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS) at HealthUnlocked.

It's not uncommon for lupus patients to have allergies, including sulfa based medication, such as sulfasalazine. This is a particularly good drug for those with inflammatory bowel.

We also have another website called the LuPUS Message Board where you can also post questions and talk to other people. Registration is FREE and we offer free information and free online psychological support. We specialise in psychological support with our own counsellor/psychotherapist available.

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I look forward to talking with you more!

Sometimes we need to talk to people who understand and who are not family or friends.

With good wishes!

Ros

Disclaimer: No attempt is made to diagnose or to make any medical judgement. You are advised to seek the advice from your own physician. LUpus Patients Understanding & Support (LUPUS) is not a substitute for your own doctor.