allergies

[Binkey]

Allergic rash,to what I don,t know.Taking the Hydroxychloroquine[one week now].Really suffering and miserable,hope this passes soon.Does anyone else have this problem.The GP prescribes antihistamine and lotions,all to no avail.

[Jude65]

Is it a reaction to the hydroxychloroquine as you have recently started on it?

[Binkey]

Don,t think it is a reaction to hydroxychloroquine,too soon I think but,I don.t know for sure.The GP seemed to think it was from being bitten by insects but,we can,t work out what,I have had a really bad reaction and I am not sure wether that is one of the side effects of the Lupus.I did read that reactions to bites can set off the usual lethargy and unwell feelings.Who does know.Not my GP.

[NickyB]

Be careful it can be reaction to meds!

[Hidden]

I am on the same medication and recently had the dosage doubled (after three months of being on it). Just before the dosage was doubled I mentioned that since taking this medication I was getting a rash on my back. My specialist prescribed some cream and still doubled the dosage of the medication. My back is now covered with a rash and the other day I had an itch on my leg so I gave it the slightest scratch without thinking. It has developed into a cut that just isn't healing. My arms and elbows are starting to itch too. I see my specialist every three months and my next appointment isn't until March so I think I'm going to call my GP in the morning. I'm wondering how common a side effect rashes are with this medication and if you have to stop taking it or if they just give you something to stop the rash.

[Binkey in reply to Hidden]

I am afraid to say that we all vary side effect wise.Your GP should be able to get you an early referal and hopefully the specialist(is that reumatolgy?)should be able to help.Good luck.

[anne6]

I take hydroxychloroquine twice a day and I don't know if it's related but I get very itchy skin which causes really bad bruises when scratched. I use dermacool which the skin specialist gave me and if plastered on and left to dry into skin it really helps, never rub in just leave to absorb. Hope this helps as lupus makes the skin so sensitive we need all the help we can get.

[Hidden]

Thanks for your replies. I had a call from my Dr today to say that he called my rheumatologist and that I have to come off the Hydroxy tablets immediately. Gutted as apart from the allergic reaction, they were working. I don't get to see my consultant until March but have been told that if I get a flare up my Dr will prescribe a 5 day course of steroids. I Really don't want steroids as was on them about 8 years ago when I was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Hated them. I'm assuming that my consultant will want to put me on a different medication in March. What are the options other than steroids? Does anyone have any experiences of coming off hydroxy tabs? Do I expect a flare? What are the chances of them just leaving me off medication altogether and monitoring me with regular blood tests? Sorry if these questions sound stupid, I feel I am kind of back to square one now.

[Binkey in reply to Hidden]

Just had a heart monitor from cardiology and was told to come off the statin's but wait until I see reumatology before I stop the hydroxychloroquine.I have been taking the hydroxy for about five month's now,it does seemed to have helped with my butterfly rash and seem's to have eased some of the aches and pain's but,I am certain the side effect's have been paranoia and heart palpatations.The letter from the cardilologist(copy sent to my GP)states it is more likely the hydroxy causing the side effects.I am seing reumy in February,we will see what they have to say.Wish me luck.More heart test's comming up too.

[Hidden]

I was taking it for 4 months. It's such a rollercoaster with all these meds. It's like frying pan or fire. I am going to ask my specialist not to put me on steroids. I know this might sound stupid but I would rather just see how I go and get blood tests every 3 months to monitor the progress of the SLE (which they told me is still mild at the minute) and only take steroids as a last resort. I would rather deal with flares steroid free. I have gone all this time without medication (8 years). Who knows, I may go another 8 years yet without the need for steroids. I would rather take a couple of nurofen when I get my bad days. Anything but steroids!!! Some may think this is unwise but I think if the level of my SLE remains the same then I will refuse steroids unless it gets to the point that I have no choice in the matter. At the minute, the side effects are outweighing my symptoms and I always seem to react badly to medication so never seem to have a positive outlook on all these concoctions. Good luck Binkey! February is just weeks away - still, not nice to have to stay on something that is giving you paranoia and heart palpitations!