I started a new IV drug 6 days ago, Merrem. I infuse 3 x daily, 2gr each time.
The first 10 doses or so, no noticable change. 2 days ago I started getting hives. I, of course, stopped the Merrem and am awaiting direction from my LLMD. I am also going to see a general doc today to see if they can give me anything to provide relief. I am taking Benadryl, but it hardly helps at all.
I am covered in hives, everywhere, prickly, itchy....I am so miserable. Started on my trunk, but now arms, legs, neck, scalp, face....
How do I know if it's a herx or an allergic reaction? The 1/2 life of Merrem is really short and it should be out of my system. My hives remain and are getting even worse, if that's possible. I am dreading going to the regular doc....if I even mention herx they'll probably roll their eyes.
Any thoughts? Thanks. TS
Posted by Beagle (Member # 29698) on :
I had that for about (4) months straight but only at night and I could stop it with (3) Benydril.
I wish I could be more helpful but I would not be afraid to up the dose of benydril to see if that helps. It is pretty safe. I figured if the Vet prescribed (2) benydrils (25mg each) for my 18 pound beagle, then with my weight I could take (4), which I did with no bad effect except feeling drowsy.
When I asked my LLMD if it could be a Herx/die off she could not give me a difinitive answer, but some one on this site mentioned that if it does not go away with Benidryl than it is a Herx. Hopefully, someone else here can give you a more definitive answer!
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Zyrtec is also good for hives, you can take it with Benadryl.
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing or your lips, mouth, tongue, or throat start feeling funny have someone take you to the ER immediately. If your allergic reaction is bad enough you may need to take a short course of steroids to get things under control.
I hope your doctor calls you back soon and you start to feel better.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Sometimes hives last a while. I had them from shellfish (that I didn't even eat, my food was contaminated) for about 10 days. I was taking two Benadryl at a time and it only helped in a minor way.
Be careful that your GP doesn't give you steroids. It would be different if it were life-threatening.
I would avoid that med from now on!
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Vitamin C may help, too.
Posted by tickssuck (Member # 15388) on :
Thanks for input. I am so miserable, they're not improving at all and the Bendryl is not touching it.
I don't know if it's an allergic reaction or a herx reaction. I don't think my LLMD knows either, but is going to put me on a different IV med to be safe. I am not going to do anything as far as abx tx until the hives clear. I am on day 4 with them and so far, no end in sight. Yes, six - I figured if I saw my GP steroids would be the go to drug. I am so miserable that I am tempted....but, I'll try to hold off.
Thanks. TS
Posted by Kerry23 (Member # 28383) on :
OH, I FEEL SO BAD FOR YOU. I JUST FINALLY GOT RID OF THEM. HAD THEM FOR A MONTH. REALIZED CAUSE WAS YEAST OVERGROWTH. STOPPED ALL MEDICATION AND PAID FOR IT, I MIGHT ADD, AND REALIZED IT WAS YEAST. AWFUL, I AM SCARRED. HOPE YOU ARE BETTER.
Posted by Kerry23 (Member # 28383) on :
dermatologist gave me a cream for the itching and it really helped. I have to find the name of it for you. Other than that, nothing they did helped until LLMD put me on diflucan, then slowly and I mean slowly they eased as the drug took effect on the yeast. Nothing stopped the hives but that drug. When I went off diflucan, the hives did not come back but the yeast did. So I am back on diflucan, 2 weeks now, first time was 10 days. I was filled with hives. Never saw anything like it before. Scarred for life. LLMD never put 2 and 2 together, I did. My son has it too, both of us lost a lot of weight. Right now, I am still on antibiotics but on diflucan 200mg, once a day, for a month. I want them to keep me on this while I am on antibiotics. I do not want off while being treated. It's a tough one because diflucan is rough on liver. let me know how you are. Kerry
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i didn't go to the doctor until it was too late for the pills. he gave them to me anyway but they didn't help.
the only thing that helped me was a silver cream called terrasil (i think that's the spelling). i used it twice a day.
i had them on my lower back and was absolutely miserable.