Hi! I've developed an itchy rash / dermatitis while t... - NRAS

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Hi! I've developed an itchy rash / dermatitis while taking Leflunomide and Cimzia (Certolizumab-Pegol) anti-tnf in combination for 10 mths.

Jim57 profile image
7 Replies

Hi, The dermatitis developed on my legs, then a rash on my arms and stomach after about 7 months. Stopped Cimzia to see if it clears - been on Leflunomide for 6 years, no problems. Rash very slowly clearing. Will have to re-try Cimzia to see if it reappears I guess! Have told GP and RA Consultant. Anyone else experienced this? thanks!

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Jim57
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7 Replies

sorry, I can't really help but I get bouts of dermatitis and found the only thing that helps is Hemp cream from The Body Shop, the one for my face especially.

Hope you get it sorted :)

Jim57 profile image
Jim57 in reply to

Hi Wiliby, thanks for that, I'll try it, glad to say that after staying of Cimzia for a month now its all very slowly clearing. Jim

parkie profile image
parkie

Hi, I'm on Enbrel, for 4months now, but 2 weeks ago I developed a rash on my calves and now has spread further up my legs and on my feet. It's itchy when I get hot or have washed them, going to GP on Monday, not holding out much hope there. Just as well I wear trousers all the time. Take care Ann

Jim57 profile image
Jim57 in reply toparkie

Hi Ann, yes, mine started on shins, spread up legs then to arms and finally as a 'nettle rash' on my stomach sides. I found cooler showers helped (brrr!); lots of Cetraben emollient twice daily - and coming off the anti-tnf - not ideal but coping at present. I shall try going back on Cimzia once its properly cleared, going slowly! - i'll let you know what happens, probably more itching; good luck with GP tomorrow. Take care and stay cool. Jim

parkie profile image
parkie

Hi Jim went to GP this afternoon and she confirmed its a side affect of Enbrel and gave me Eurax to use when required!!!! Its still only on my legs at the moment.I can only give it a try and see what happens. I also am reducing my steroids (I also have Addisons Disease) which is making me feel worse, was on 30mgx 3 daily, at the moment am on 20mgx3 daily, hope to have a phone consultation with my Consultant tomorrow. Thats enough about me how are you Take care Ann xx

Jim57 profile image
Jim57 in reply toparkie

Hi Ann, well six months on and an update: eczema improved, tried etanercept (enbrel), same problem, but worse. i've now stopped injecting, improvement already so now I'm convinced, it has to be the anti-tnfs. I'm going to stay off anything other than DMARD - leflunomide for as long as I can. I hope you're doing ok. Best wishes. Jim xx

Jim57 profile image
Jim57

Hi Ann, I didn't use Eurax but was precribed strong antihistamine tablets for a month, seemed to help ...well help me sleep anyway! Wow, makes me feel really lucky, I have fairly mild RA although have had it for 29 years. Good luck with the consultants tomorrow I hope they can help you manage better.

Jim x

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