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

[Jim57]

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!

[Hidden]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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]

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 in reply to parkie]

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]

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 in reply to parkie]

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]

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