I'm covered in hives today.

[Iona60]

On Monday I thought I had a mosquito bite. By Tuesday there were several more. Wednesday I sprayed down with Cactus Juice (my no-toxic bug spray of choice). I finally realized last night that they are hives. Today they are spreading together.

The whole thing seems to have started when I began taking pills from a new bottle of Gilenya. Called the neuro today. Could be the Gilenya, but probably not.

I've started 2 different antihistamines and am hoping for the best.

Does anyone else ever get hives?

[erash]

Iona60 🙁

Hope the antihistamines help!

Steroids and H2 blockers (Pepcid) might also help but u def. need to avoid whatever caused?

[Iona60 in reply to erash]

I'm taking Allegra and Pepcid and I'll take Benedryl tonight. Does this sound OK? I'm suspecting the new bottle of Gilenya that I started on Monday, or the strawberry pastry that I ate.

[erash in reply to Iona60]

Iona60 that sounds perfect. You may need to add prednisone.

Check to see if the Gilenya has anew pharma mfg. (although it's likely still branded/under patent so most likely not changed). Might want to contact the Novartis or your pharmacist and give them the lot # perhaps others with similar?

Are you allergic to strawberries? I wouldn't think a pastry eaten 2 days ago is still causing hives to spread? But the Gilenya may hang around for awhile (half life is 6-9 days --means takes that long for half the drug to be excreted)

[Iona60 in reply to erash]

I contacted the specialty pharmacist. He agreed with the H1 and H2 s I mentioned, but said I need to be seen by a dr. before the weekend, in case it is a viral infection. Guess I could also get some prednisone at that time. I'm hoping they will all go away tonight. Thanks for your insight.

[erash in reply to Iona60]

Iona60 so many possible causes hives, to include idiopathic (we don't know?) and stress. agree if not improving, see your doc. Let us know how u r. Bet this is miserable.

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador in reply to Iona60]

I agree with the others, but would stop the Gilenya for a few days, check with the pharmacist and the doc. If it gets better with stopping Gilenya, work out something with the doc/pharmacist about getting a new supply and or a different med.

[SueAB]

The same happened to me last year I woke up with one bite that I thought was either a hive, spider or mosquito bite but it did not itch. Eventually it spread to my chest and back and was covered with these "bites" and it still did not itch. When I went to my PCP she DX Pittyriasis and put me on 30 mg Prednisone and tapered down to 3mg. Check out WebMD to see if might be your problem.

[Iona60 in reply to SueAB]

Thank you. I'm pretty sure they are hives. I've had them before from different things. I just have to figure out what caused them.

[erash in reply to SueAB]

Pityriasis can look like hives but usually less elevated (welts) and less itchy SueAB and Iona60

Pityriasis starts with what's called a herald patch (usually somewhere on the trunk) and then spreads out from there in a Christmas tree pattern. Thought to be viral, occurs more frequently in the winter, and typically resolves on its own (no treatment needed)

[WAshingtongirl]

I hope you find out what caused them Iona60 . Praying you get itch relief SOON! 💕

[Fancy1959]

Oh lona60, it's Fancy1959. There is not a lot I hate work then hives. The itching and the skin irritation drive me crazy and scatching it doesn't help at all. 😣I would definitely get into my neurologist as soon as possible and I might even touch base with my primary care physician. They could put you on som type of steroids to stop the reaction faster. Hives can sometimes be one of the first symptoms of allergic reactions in the making that sometimes can be severe. Do not let them go on especially if they seem to be getting worse.😲

Antihistamines always good for allergic reaction have you tried things like oatmeal baths or cortisone cream to stop the itching? if you have broken the skin due to itching, be careful with the cortisone cream because it can sting significantly if you put it on open skin. What your diet as well and make sure you haven't introduced anything new or different or fixed anything differently. 😳

Please keep in touch, and let us know how your hive situation progresses and what the outcome is with your doctor on fixing the situation. Remember together we are stronger. Keep your chin up and your hive down.

[Fee09]

I get hives from being in the sun for more than 10 minutes aat a time

[greaterexp]

Iona60 , we'll be praying for quick relief!

[sybermomm]

I take Benadryl when I have allergic reaction. That is what nurse told me to take. Better check with your doctor concerning your allergic reaction.

[Iona60 in reply to sybermomm]

I started with Benedryl. It's helping to control the itching, but did't stop new ones from coming up.

[Amore55]

Iona, I pray you get some resolution soon. Love, Kelly

[Iona60]

Called the neuro nurse and the PCP about the hives. Neuro says that if it doesn't get better, it could be the Gilenya. PCP called in a Prednisone dose pack to use if I get worse using the 3 anithistamines. I'm not any better today. New hives keep popping up, 2 are on my face. But, some of the older ones are going away. I think this may be a good sign. They are mostly all morphing together.