Do any of you regularly take an anti histamine alongside all the other cocktail of meds?

[Bon1]

Good morning all

I’ve come out - for the second time in two months- in a hideous allergic itchy horror thing. No idea what is causing it but it had me in tears this morning and cetirizine hasn’t fully nailed it.

The doc said I could double the dose but I just hate the idea of more flipping meds. And I’m worried that it might affect my blood results (liver etc) .

Anyone have any experience? Would love to hear from you.

Bon x

[Lolabridge]

Not currently but after a major allergic reaction to sulphasalazine at the beginning of my RA journey I did have to take antihistamines for several months. But any rash when you’re on RA meds needs to be taken seriously. Have you started a new drug in the past two months? Has the doctor seen it and told you what type of rash it is? Was that your GP or the Rheumatologist? If not the latter then do contact your Rheumatology nurse or patient helpline and ask for advice.

[Bon1 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks Lolabridge. All the drugs I’m on I’ve been taking for at least a year but these things are so unpredictable. I’m hoping not to have to change them. Fingers crossed!

[Hidden]

Hi Bon .. any rash needs to be reported to your team . It may not be a problem but better safe than sorry

[Bon1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks J. By good luck I got a call yesterday from the rheum nurse about my prescription so I told her. She seems to think it’s fine just to hit the anti histamine! Feeling about less crazed with it this morning which is a relief! Enjoy your weekend.

[allanah]

Think that's rather backward of the docs. I'd call rheumy team. If you are allergic to one dmard they could swap it for another potentially? Personally I would be happy taking something I was possibly having reactions to. Call rheumy helpline or gp I think x

[Bon1 in reply to allanah]

Thanks Allanah. I spoke to the nurse yesterday who seemed much less concerned than me 😂. I’m wondering if I’ve managed to make myself allergic to detergents after all the damned hand washing!!!

[sylvi]

I take one every morning as i get very itchy. xxx

[Bon1 in reply to sylvi]

Thanks Sylvi. Do you mind me asking what type you use? Cetirizine?

[sylvi in reply to Bon1]

Just some over the counter thpes.xxx

[oldtimer]

It needs reporting to your Rheumy team.I take antihistamines during the 'hay fever' season - which for me starts with tree pollen in March, until September when it starts to ease. It's never affected my liver function.

[Bon1 in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks old timer. I’m starting to learn this is more common than I thought!

[Barrister]

Yes I take Fexofenadine 180mg which at that dose is prescription only and specifically for itchy skin conditions. I’ve been taking it for many years and it has made such a difference.

Clemmie

[Bon1 in reply to Barrister]

Ooh that’s interesting - and comforting because this is driving me nuts.I took the advice of the other wise souls on this chat and asked the rheum nurse today who called me about my mtx prescription. She seemed to think it highly unlikely to be my meds because I’ve been on them for a fair while.

Maybe I’ll request what you’re on!

[Barrister in reply to Bon1]

When my itching started, I wasn’t taking any regular medication. Now, it seems to be whenever I add new medication or sometimes even things I’ve been taking for a while. I can’t now take Levothyroxine as that definitely makes me itch really badly, it’s unbearable, from my head to the soles of my feet. But the Fexofenadine really makes a difference. Hope you get some relief soon as it takes over your whole life when it’s so bad.

Clemmie

[Jesnaskah]

When I was on Prednisone 60mgs for an insane rash that no doctor could figure out, I was also taking 2 antihistamine and also something called Atarax which can be used for allergies. So if your doc thinks it's ok, go for it, and hopefully you'll get relief.

[Bon1 in reply to Jesnaskah]

Thanks Jesnaskah. That Atarax sounds interesting. I will ask the gp aboutnitnif this regime is ineffective.

[Linda-C]

Hi, yes I developed an itch mainly on my legs and arms, when I got to scratching skin off, I went eventually to a dermatologist who put me on fexofenadine permanently. I still itch occasionally but not to the point of taking off skin. Don’t be backwards in going forwards. All the best

[Bon1 in reply to Linda-C]

Thanks for this . so helpful.

[Pulfs]

I've got anti histamine on a repeat prescription and take regularly, also been prescribed a liquid cream to wash with to help dry itchy skin.

[Bon1 in reply to Pulfs]

Thanks Pulfs. Clearly unbearably itchy skin is a thing!!

[TiredNerd]

When I had an allergic reaction to Rituxan (the first time) they had to use prednisone with Benadryl to calm it. When I had another reaction (for unknown reasons) they gave me a 3 day IV of methylprednisone to stop it. Interestingly, I read in a (reputable) scientific journal that you don’t want to have to be on an antihistamine long term because it not only can mess with your hormones but histamine is actually released in the morning to wake your brain up. Long term use can mess with that process. Sadly, seems like all treatments have quite nasty potential side effects! Hope they find something that solves your problem (and finds the root cause of your reaction!)

[Bon1 in reply to TiredNerd]

Thanks TN. You’re right ...there’s always a trade off of some kind with meds. But the itching and rash has been so awful I just had to take something!

[Niao]

I'm only on my 3rd week of Methotrexate and steroid but have been taking Ceterizine now for 10 years for chronic urticaria. This came out of the blue, though I was convinced it was hormone related. Never did get any answers as to what the cause was , after tests done etc.It's supposedly safe to continue with with all the new meds. I don't always have to take it daily, sometimes every few days or other times half daily.

[Bon1 in reply to Niao]

That’s really interesting thanks so much. i wonder if my issue is hormonal? I’m the right age!