Itching : Greetings - I was diagnosed in... - PBC Foundation

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Itching

Citylady33 profile image
11 Replies

Greetings - I was diagnosed in September 2022 with a mild form of PBC. I don’t really have any symptoms and don’t take any medication for it. I was only referred to a hepatologist after years of irregular blood tests showing raised ALP and Gamma-GT. I’ve had a multitude of scans, blood tests etc to reach the diagnosis and currently meet my consultant twice a year to monitor the situation.

My reason for posting is that I have insomnia which is aggravated by itching every night in bed. My GP disregarded any connection with my liver problem and suggested it was caused by dry skin. She prescribed amitriptyline 5mg at night but this hasn’t helped at all (it is currently 5.43am and I haven’t been to sleep yet). So, could this be PBC itching and has it happened to you? Does anything stop it? I’ve taken both Piriton and Loratadine tonight but they haven’t helped.

Sorry for the long post but any advice welcome!!

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Citylady33
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11 Replies
Turquoise2075 profile image
Turquoise2075

Hi Citylady33,

I’m thinking it would be good to speak to the liver specialist about sleep issues and itching. I’ve found in my experience GPs don’t necessarily know much about PBC. Also, the PBC Foundation can be a good source of info. Certainly itching is a feature of PBC for many so it is possibly linked for you. I’ve only had it fairly mildly but others here have more experience with major itching and treatment for it.

I’ve been dealing with perimenopause and one of the symptoms has been a reduction in the capacity for sleep. Depending on your age, that could be something to look into as well. But of course the itching wouldn’t help!

I hope you get some good help soon.

jjones78 profile image
jjones78

Hi, itching is definitely a symptom of PBC. I suffered really badly with it before it was controlled by medication. Your liver specialist should be able to help and there are different things that they can try. I tried a few treatments and I now take rifampicin every day and it really works for me. I hope that you get a solution soon x

butterflyEi profile image
butterflyEi

As the others have said itching especially at night is a recognised PBC symptom. If you go to the PBC Foundation's page (free to subscribe if not already a member) you can find a lay copy of the EASL Guidelines for PBC. In there you can find information on the itch and medications available to the hepatologist to help you. The PBC Foundation also has a help line should you need some guidance.

For myself, an itcher of old! I was started by the GP on Cetirizine an antihistamine which did not really work, I eventually got to see a hepatologist who started me on Colestyramine which in part made a difference but life was still miserable, the hepatologist added Naltrexone which did not suit me I became very aggressive, Sertraline (an anti depressant) was added at 25mg and eventually Rifampicin was added which is a game changer for the so called itch of PBC.

Along came Covid, I was caught out of the country, I was unable to source Colestyramine so after a bit of fiddling with my meds and what was available in the country I was staying I ended up with Rifampicin, Gabapentin, Sertraline to control the itch. For me the itch was in the upper body and brought me very low so I was very grateful to the hepatologist.

best wishes

mjk98 profile image
mjk98

Yes the itching is from PBC so I don't know why your doctor is telling you otherwise I itch every single night.

JaneEyre55 profile image
JaneEyre55

I take Cholestyramine and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at night.

Lisa1150 profile image
Lisa1150

These are symptoms of PBC. Please talk to a specialist regarding Urso Forte. This drug should be taken to help slow the progression of PBC, and can help with itching.

JBH2000 profile image
JBH2000

Hi Citylady, your GP most likely is not an authority on PBC. Many people get very itchy, and it’s from PBC. It’s happened a few times with me- doesn’t last more than a day or so. Also, you can have spurts of fatigue.

Bottom line- talk to your liver Dr about what you are experiencing. Everyone is different .

FairyFae profile image
FairyFae

In regards to the Insomnia, I had it before I had PBC (I also have Fibromyalgia), I am taking 50mg (5x10mg) of Amitriptyline per night, (at one point, it was 80mg) so you may need a higher dosage than you've been prescribed? I honestly can't imagine 5mg would be of much use! But of course, I'm not a Doctor, this is just my personal experience. I would definitely ask your GP about it, though.

21parker profile image
21parker

Hmmm.. I am not sure what a mild form of PBC is, pbc is a progressive disease, the progression speed is somewhat controlled by medication . Typically URSO. You should really see an expert, which is a hepatologist. If you have PBC you should be on medication

Wishing your itch away! Feel better

gwillistexas profile image
gwillistexas in reply to21parker

I think she may mean mild scarring. In the beginning of my diagnosis it was said to be mild. That’s what the fibroscan showed. Of course fibroscan nor mre’ are 100% accurate.

Eppy profile image
Eppy

hi Citylady33

I also have suffered with night time itch

I found this cream helps along with antihistamine tablets

Hope this helps get it on prescription its cheaper 🌼

Wishing you well

Bright

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