Allergy symptoms

[Sands46]

Good morning...I am a 71 year old sufferer from underactive thyroid for some fifteen years.I also have contained heart failure.

I have noticed this last two to three months that about an hour after taking levothyroxin I get allergy symptoms in my face and scalp and mouth.ie burning ,swelling ,tightness and redness around my cheek bones.My gp has changed several brands of my other medications but the symptoms continue...I am on 120mg fexofenadine twice daily for urticaria but this doesnt prevent the symptoms.Am being refered to a dermatologist in late July.Any comments appreciated 🤔😏😃

[Clutter]

Sands46,

Take an antihistamine an hour before you take Levothyroxine. If the symptoms resolve it is likely an ingredient in the Levothyroxine which is causing the allergy. There are 4 makes of Levothyroxine in the UK so discuss it with your pharmacist and ask to trial an alternative brand next time your prescription is dispensed.

Makes in the UK are:

Mercury Pharma 25, 50 & 100mcg

Actavis (also known as Almus) 50 & 100mcg

Wockhardt 25mcg

Teva 12.5, 25, 50, 75 & 100mcg.

[Sands46 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you..I usually take an antihistamine after my thyroxin...I have had Teva and Activas...waiting to see a dermatologist privately

[Clutter in reply to Sands46]

Sands46,

Perhaps you could see whether taking it before Levothyroxine helps.

[Sands46 in reply to Sands46]

Seen a private dermatologist who diagnosed angioedema...said four 120 mg of fexofenadine daily but it caused me to feel sick and my heart to race...Been to our lical hospital who then sent me to Addenbrookes..no prick tests for drug allergies but is looking into all of my meds and done a full blood test

[Sands46 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks ..I keep getting several generic brands..Actavis being one but still same allergy..tried the antihistamine before levothyroxin but still the same..Cardiologist thinks it could be the filler in all of my meds..Nexium, Cardicore, fexofenadine etc..Had blood test on Tuesday to see if there is another health issue..Eight months of burning and soreness in my head, eyes and mouth is very debiliating

[Clutter in reply to Sands46]

Sands46,

Have you tried stopping Levothyroxine for a few days to see whether symptoms improve?

[Sands46 in reply to Clutter]

I considered doing just that asked my GP and she said no..not even for a day but only on 100 mg and stable for over 15 yrs...What do think about stopping it ? 🤔

[Clutter in reply to Sands46]

Sands46,

Antihistamine taken an hour before Levothyroxine usually stops symptoms if they are a reaction to one of the fillers in Levothyroxine. You probably won't notice skipping Levothyroxine for 4-5 days if you want to try and see whether symptoms improve. You may feel a little hypo about a week later but that will quickly pass when you resume Levothyroxine. If symptoms don't resolve then at least you will probably have ruled out Levothyroxine being the culprit.

[Sands46 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you...it seems as if I am reacting to ALL meds now..which usually contain the same fillers..all after I was given a German generic make of meds with yellow colouring...all started a week after I started on the course.

[Sands46]

Yes thank you Clutter I will certainly give it a try..Its difficult when you take five different meds to find the culprit 🤔😉😏

[Skylane2]

I’m in the USA but you are correct that a dermatologist knows more about urticaria. My dermatologist has traveled around the world with Doctors Without Borders and has picked up so much useful information. She diagnosed me with histamine intolerance, prescribed an strong antihistamine , and put me on the Paleo autoimmune protocol diet. Thank God, no more hives as long as I stick to the diet. She seems more knowledgeable than my endocrinologist or rheumatologist. Be careful with the antihistamines though, they can severely dehydrate you. During plenty of water with electrolytes and drink tonic water for leg cramps if you get them ( quinine) I’m on the Hashimoto’s protocol, of Zantac,Zyrtec and selenium ( Which helps to heal your thyroid gland )No idolized salt and no fluoride in your toothpaste( or water). Wishing you the very best.