Anyone had an allergic reaction?

Diseases & Conditions Rheumatoid Arthritis
1
Last week my rheumatologist prescribed Relafen for my inflammation.  I started taking the relafen on a Tuesday and on Friday night I developed a rash.  The rash started on my stomach and spread around to my sides and I got just a little bit on my forearms.  I read about side effects and saw that you were supposed to stop taking it immediately if a rash developed, so I quit taking it Saturday and got in to see my PCP Monday.
 
My PCP thought it was definitely an allergic reaction, so I let my rheumy know and she wants me to start on another NSAID after my rash goes away.  My rash is still very much there even though I've taken some allergy medicine.  My stomach and sides are just covered.  Has anyone had anything similar happen.  ANy idea how long the rash will last?  I didn't know how long I should expect the rash to last because I've never had anything like this.
 
Thanks 

Diagnosis:  Suspected Lupus 2004; Raynauds 2006; Sjogren's 2006; CFS 1991; Mono 1985

Meds:  Plaquenil 400mg; Tramadol 100mg 3-4x daily; Amitriptyline 10mg; Neurontin 200mg; Steriod Cream and Mouth Rinse for tongue and mouth ulcers; Hydrocodone 5/500 prn for severe pain

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2

wow, i'de say at least a few days for the rash to take a hike!

i've noticed that when i take dilaudid i get the "itches" all over my abdomen and sides too! really itchy & i scratch up and down...so of course, it gets red!

how annoying, i hope this doesn't happen agaon for you....especially if something is helping too!

doc didn't say to use like calamine lotion or take some benadryl?  there are some topical OTC rash creams...but if the rash is getting better, maybe best to leave it be?

i wish you well.

erin

Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg every 4 days; pred; Pentasa; Imuran; dilaudid; diazepam; Avinza 30mg; MiraLax & too many others.

3

Hippiemom2,

I had a similar allergic reaction to sulfasalazine.  It took several days for the rash to clear, although I had it from head to toe, not just on my torso.  I also started taking prednisone for a bad joint flare, and that most likely cleared the rash up quicker than if I hadn't taken it.  It would have taken almost a week if I hadn't started prednisone therapy.  If your rash doesn't clear, you could ask about prednisone.  I think even low dose for a week would probably clear your rash up fairly quickly.  I would be hesitant to start another NSAID until the relafen rash is mostly gone.

Elcamino

4
Thanks for the information. I am finally getting some relief today and the rash is slowly fading - I didn't know it would take this long. I did take some claritin, so that might be helping. I hope the next prescription NSAID I use doesn't cause this.

Diagnosis:  Suspected Lupus 2004; Raynauds 2006; Sjogren's 2006; CFS 1991; Mono 1985

Meds:  Plaquenil 400mg; Tramadol 100mg 3-4x daily; Amitriptyline 10mg; Neurontin 200mg; Steriod Cream and Mouth Rinse for tongue and mouth ulcers; Hydrocodone 5/500 prn for severe pain

Please allow HealingWell to continue helping others by donating: http://www.healingwell.com/donate/