Hi all
So I’m on methotrexate and xeljanz (biologic). Last few times I’ve missed a couple of doses of the biologic (the drugs were late coming into the pharmacy), I’ve been covered in itchy red hives all over my body and neck.
The minute I take the biologic, the hives go away.
What is going on? Anyone have similar experiences?
Hi Anchou - Yi, yi, yi! That looks really uncomfortable. I would honestly just recommend that you get to your docs pretty quick. It could be an allergic reaction, and those can be dangerous..
I wish I had an answer for you, but I've not gotten rashes from the MTX and have not taken biologics.. I'm sure someone else will have a better answer..
Hey caery! Thanks for your response. Yes! They are very uncomfortable. And I did go to the doctors. They said “oh it’s just auto immune induced hives” and didn’t give me a solution.
Thankfully, it only happens when I skip doses. And don’t appear when I have my medication!
One thing you might try is to by some chickweed and plantain salve. Just be sure it is all organic. It works like a charm on rashes, no matter what the cause.. If you have the two herbs and some coconut oil, you can make your own too. Every year about this time, I pull up some of the chickweed in the yard and harvest some of the plantain too (I actually grow it on purpose), and make a salve that will usually last me until next year this time. If you want instructions holler and I can send them to you. It is incredibly easy to make. Best of luck!
"Oh it's just...", your GP gets the prize for being the most helpful! Surely he could have recommended something if he didn't think an antihistamine or whatever could help. Well, you could try aloe vera gel, that's lovely & soothing, it would ease the itch. Boots & Holland & Barrett will have it, look for the highest percentage aloe vera.
Thanks nomoreheels. I know. It was a “she” too! Come on! Oh well. You learn to deal with these things.
I did use aloe! It’s so nice and cooling. And calamine. And I took some prednisone. That helped too.
Thankfully, xeljanz is in. And I’m all better now! Yippee for medications!!!
I'm pleased it helped. It would seem the hives are related to the Xelianjz (tofacitinib) though as it's happened twice & both times your dose was delayed. Odd response though, I could understand better it if it was intended to dampen down such a response. I'd question it at your next Rheumy appointment, see if any other patients have experienced it.
When I decided on my username it was relevant. My Podietrist said no, because of my problems I need elevation so can now wear a block heel or wedge which I must say isn't much of a hardship!
I used to love heels and could run in stilettos! Now just block heels. Weirdly I can’t wear absolute flats. I always need a little bit of a cushioning. Otherwise it hurts my feet!
Hey I was in the same boat! Hated the drugs and their unbearable side effects and decided to take my health into my own hands. I do have a 4 yr degree in a medical related field so that helped. I stopped taking all drugs and adopted a plant based diet since 2017 and though it took about one month for my body to adjust it has worked wonders for pain and inflammation and there are zero side effects! I had gotten to a point I couldn’t fit my ballet flats not to mention heels! Now I run in heels again! There is another way I’m so happy and thankful I found it!
Me too! Block heels suit me now, wedges as well. I can't walk barefoot anymore, even into the shower, my feet just don't comply. Are you under a Podietrist? I've found since being referred my feet are better, as long as I go before things get too out of hand. Just wish my ankles were stronger!
Yes. Me neither. Cannot walk barefoot at all.
No I’m not under a podiatrist. I just use the superfeet insoles - the green ones. And they’ve worked really well.
I've just checked them out, being a bit lazy here, not read the ins & outs but how do you know which will suit you best. It's for my h, he bought some random ones but they crunkled up & so been binned.
I used to be a runner. So I’d known about this for a while. The different colors have different arch supports. The green one is the most supportive I believe.
They’re expensive but totally worth it. I’ve tried other brands out of cheapness but none of them worked like these.
Thanks. I'll look into them further, & my h's feet, see if I can work out how much arch support is needed.
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