Medication allergies and lupus

[Karynbrett]

Does anyone have a problem with being allergic to almost every medication? Ever since I've had lupus I've had problems with this. The only reason I can take plaquenil and immuran is because I take prednisone also and I guess it helps with the allergic reaction. Thanks!!!!!!

[KatieRL]

Hi Karynbrett, I find I'm terribly allergic to drugs since my Lupus diagnosis many years ago now. Antibiotics seem to be the worse offenders and now there's only very few I can take. It's become more and more difficult for me since my SLE caused renal failure and I'm now 15yrs post transplant. My antirejection meds are completely different from most patients as I'm allergic to the 'usual' drugs they give for this. Fortunately my renal team (and GP) are now well aware of these problems and are really careful before giving me any new drugs. I take MMF, Pred and Sirrolimus. In my experience most doctors are unaware that Lupus can cause allergies and It's a real pain having to educate them! Please stay well xx

[Cann in reply to KatieRL]

Same here, in fact my symptoms of Lupus began after many drugs including broad-spectrum antibiotics that I shouldn't have been prescribed with penicillin allergy. Antibiotics are the cause of many of today's autoimmune illnesses, I suspect, although I know they have been good for some people. I have taken none for 17 years now since my symptoms started and I can take no drugs either.

I have had allergies since then, too, because they damaged the gut - each of us have a unique make-up of gut flora and fauna and when they are damaged it is difficult to get that balance back hence all the advice on probiotics and yogurts, etc. which never worked for me, incidentally.

They also damaged my liver and kidneys along with the rest of the concoction of drugs.

I can take no processed food or additives - cook all my own food from scratch; no grains or dairy.

I suspect I was coeliac all my life from my mother's side and they all had problems with anaemia and allergy to dairy that caused my asthma for which I was prescribed strong steroids and inhalers - a very slippery slope and then the symptoms became of chrohn's worse than coeliac.

I manage it the best way I can with plenty of rest, exercise, mind management activities, stress management and the food and water. No coffee, tea or stimulants because I have tachycardia and arrhythmia which can be set off with allergic reactions.

My advice to anyone is get to know your body, listen to it and do what is right for you. Remember drugs are not for everyone and I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't have side effects from drugs. There is usually another way if we are prepared to look for it.

[Karynbrett in reply to KatieRL]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I believe I have the most problems with antibiotics and also anti-depressants. It's crazy and frustrating as hell. Some doctors look at me like I'm crazy and some know exactly what I'm talking about. Be well!!

[custardpot]

I have great problems with medication. I cannot take Lupus medication. I have problems with painkillers and after trying loads have just been given one I can take. I also have the problem that I could be on a medication for years then all of a sudden get severe reaction to it

[Cann]

That is probably your body saying enough is enough of the toxic stuff!

[nanleighh]

That would be very interesting to know! I am allergic to aspirin and all NSAIDs. I do seem to be able to tolerate most antibiotics, but stay away from sulfur drugs due to them being known for precipitating flares. I am on prednisone 5 mg a day and hydroxychloroquine 400 mg a day and seem to be able to tolerate that, but if I don't take the hydroxy on a full stomach, then I get nauseated. I wonder if there's a relationship between lupus and drug allergies? I know that a lot of people with lupus have seasonal allergies. Brilliant question.

[Janaii11]

Yes. Four medications have put me in the hospital the last two months with a rash on my back that looked like second and third degree burns.