Medication ingredient changes?

[LupusNewbie]

Hi, For the last 6 weeks I have been itching all over my torso, head and arms. To the extent I am making myself bleed daily. I haven't changed washing powder, shampoo, shower gel, diet etc. The only other thought I had is that one of the ingredients in my medication may have changed. How can I find out if this has happened? I'm taking prednisolone, azathioprine and hydroxychloroquine. The itching is driving me mad.

[MtnClimber]

Hi there! I don't know how you'd find this out unless your medications are compounded. I've started having itching, too, in the same areas. Not as bad as yours, but quite disturbing for sleep. I had a hysterectomy in May and I've been assuming it's from the change in hormones/onset of menopause. Have you had any major hormonal changes? Just a thought.

[LupusNewbie in reply to MtnClimber]

I hadn't thought of that. I turn 50 very soon so menopause must be just around the corner. I haven't had a single menopause symptom yet but I guess this could be the first?! Thank you, worth considering.

[Nathalie70 in reply to LupusNewbie]

Hello,

I don't have a lupus but Graves and my skin started to become very dry and itchy at the age of 51. I'm now 52, not menopaused yet but I have a far drier skin and itchier right after my periods. I put tons of Nivea Body on me before going to bed.

I hope it helps. take care.

[Awwy]

Hi,

I am on hydroxychloroquine and noticed the same itching is horrendous. I went to GP on Monday and got a strong antihistamine. I was ok as i only been taking it since September at 400mg. Not sure how long I will tolerate it. My itching is worse after contact with water. Reduced to 2 showers a week with cold water which doesn't help raynauds at all. Id get in touch with rheumatologist nurse and see what they can do.

[Tonk]

HelloI too get very itchy and take Hydroxy and Azathiropine.

It drove me mad but, believe it or not, it was down to my skin getting cold.

At night, if I woke up and found my arm outside of the duvet, my arm would itch. Similar whole body reaction if washing in a cold bathroom.

I hope this helps.

[LupusNewbie in reply to Tonk]

That sounded plausible as I am keeping the heating really low this year and I'm always cold at work but I've just had a steaming hot shower and itched all throughout it!

[Tonk in reply to LupusNewbie]

Hi lupusnewbieThat is the curse of lupus.... We all react differently.

I hope you solve the mystery and therefore get relief from the itching.

[StriatedCaracara]

which brand of hydroxychloroquine is it?

[LupusNewbie in reply to StriatedCaracara]

ipca

[Carcrashgal]

Itching was how my lupus was diagnosed and it comes back periodically; I use Fexofenadine (antihistamine) to keep it tamped down, but when it's really bad, I need steroids to bring it back under control, so it might be worth discussing with your rheumatologist, or asking for a dermatologist consult. However, my husband, who is fit as a flea, had years of periodically getting a massive itch after a shower - lasted 30 mins or so, and bad enough for him to scratch his skin to slivers if I forgot to put the oven gloves on him. In the end we made the decision to try a water softener unit (we're in a very hard water area); at the time Harvey's were doing a 6-month free trial; we just paid for the salt. For my husband, it was a Godsend - so much so that we bit the bullet and bought it (monthly payments, no interest) and now it only happens if we're away . . .

[Deiniol]

I've had problems with itching as well recently. I've not changed my meds and have been on hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone for over 20 years. I've read about others suffering from itching and they blame hydroxychloroquine. I'm still on the same brand. Not sure how you'd find out about change in ingredients, pharmacist maybe? I've been given Cetraben eczema cream from GP, helps a bit but cannot put it everywhere.

[Sashappy in reply to Deiniol]

Your pharmacist or doctor should be able to tell you if any ingredients have changed in your meds.

[Olderkitten]

Hi, not sure what causing your itching but try Allegra or Benadryl, that's what seems to help me. Hope this helps and you feel better.

[cathie in reply to Olderkitten]

ditto - Allegra is good. THey also do a shower gel

[Kev98]

I'm currently on 100mg Azathioprine and have been taking this dosage for about 2-3 years. Before that was on a much higher dosage. Lately I've been experiencing some itching episodes but i honestly never made a connection to my meds. I just thought it was related to where my desk at work is located which is directly infront of the AC vent. This one spot on the left side of my upper back itches (almost like its more internal than anything) and the area is usually very stiff. Have done x-rays, ultrasounds and they just concluded it was muscle inflammation. Will dig deeper into the ingredients in Azathioprine.

[Bijouxb]

Hi there. I was taking the same combination as yourself. The azathioprine was introduced after having completed a very strong course of prednisolone which was ramped up and ramped down over a 4 month period to cope with a lupus flare. Apart from the weight gain I felt much better. I started the azathioprine, but the side effects far outweighed any benefits the drug may have provided. I was constantly nauseous, my hair started falling out with the follicle, my knees and hands were extremely swollen and painful which restricted my movement and I became extremely photosensitive and had a fine rash which completely covered my face. Since stopping the azathioprine completelyand going onto a low dose of steroids my hair has started to grow back and I'm feeling relatively better.

Speak to your doctor about the side effects as you shouldn't be suffering like this.

I've been on hydroxychloroquine for over a year with no side effects.

Everyone is different but make sure the medication is tailored for you. Do not continue with medication that is offering no benefits and which is not improving your illness. Take control do your research ask questions. Get a second opinion, if your doctor isn't listening, or isn't working with you.

Also look at your diet and try to identify foods which make you feel worse.

[Bijouxb]

Oh and if you're menopausal that could be causing the itching. Get some bloodtests and discuss with your doctor. Hope you feel better soon x