LymeNet Flash: Itchy from Rosephin?

This is topic Itchy from Rosephin? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/50920

Posted by zals (Member # 10966) on :

I have been on IV rosephin via Hickman for 5 months now. In the last month I've noticed that about 10min into infusing I start getting itchy and the itchiness lasts for about an hour after I finish infusing.

I am on a pulse regimen of 2grams 2x a day for 4 days on and 3 days off.

First, am I developing an allergy to rosephin?
Second, what should I do about it?
Third, how can I get the itchiness to go away (besides benadryl - I need to be able to function during the day)? Any natural anti-histamines?

any help would be appreciated.
Gracias -

Zals

Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :

welcome zals,

i'm sending you by PM, private message, my newbie's links/advise.

in there is info galore on everything including use CORN STARCH FOR ITCHING! so look for that post and click on the links for additional info/suggestions ok! good luck.

not on rocephin; can't answer any questions there. [Big Grin]

Posted by KP (Member # 9488) on :

I had the exact same thing happen. I tried taking Claritin but that didn't work (I think I've been taking it for too many years!). They finally gave me a prescription for Allegra and that worked really well. I just had to take the Allegra in the morning even though I infused at night. Something in it keeps me awake.

Try the Claritin...that's often given when someone is allergic to Benedryl...and it's easier to get since it's OTC.

Good luck!! Even after starting the Allegra, it took about 2 days before the itching was entirely gone.

Karen

Posted by Travlr1 (Member # 9681) on :

Zals,

You can develop an allergy to a med even after months of no problem dosing. The question that comes to mind is it an immediate hypersensitivity reaction or a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Immediate ones are easier to fix(allergy desensitivation shots) versus delayed ones requiring immunosuppresive drugs(prednisone,cylclosporin) which us Lymies obviously don't want to take.

You didn't mention if you have any skin lesions while the itching is taking place or even after the infusion.

You should talk to your llmd about this and see about pre medication with Benedryl and Tagamet prior to the infusion.I would also consider having an epinephrine auto injector on hand when you infuse. This is something you don't want to blow off because you can have a full on anaphalactic reaction(airway swelling,fall in blood pressure etc) on the next dose or a hundred doses from now.

If it is the start of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction.. this isn't good either as I have been told by a very bright Allergist that it will eventually lead to a Stevens-Johnson reaction where you essentially slough off you skin(bad) [Eek!]

I hypersensitized on about my 70th dose of Rocephin so I'm not making the above up.The good news is you may be absolutely fine with pre- medication prior to the infusion. [Smile]

I wish I was. [cussing]

Take care and good luck,

Travlr1

Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :

Take the itchiness seriously!

I know of a patient whose ears itched intensely after one infusion of Rocephin. Her allergist was dismissive about an allergy, but when she was tested she found she was so allergic she could have died had she had further exposure to Rocephin.

Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :

Ditto I would also call my doc asap.

It is very possible to be a medication for a long time & still develope an allergic reaction.

I was on vancomyicin & just had itching. It did turn into closing of my wind pipe & could have died. Nothing to take chances with.

feel better soon [group hug]

Posted by jedibelle (Member # 3794) on :

I had the itchiness too, it drove me nuts. I saw an allergist and came up negative. The first round of IV I just pre-treated with claritin/benadryl. The 2nd round (years later) I discovered that as long as I was vigilant with my probiotics and taking diflucan I didn't get itchy at all and stopped pre-treating after the first few weeks. Maybe its caused by the yucky yeasties? I know I felt it the most profoundly in the areas that are, ahem, most prone to yeast...

**Definitely get an Epi-Pen from your doc, if you don't have one already, just as a precaution**