case of serum sickness without taking steroids?
Posts: 24 | From whippany | Registered: Jan 2010
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
I had a reaction to the same drug and never figured out if it was an allergy, serum sickness, or herx. Non-itching hives upper half of body, extreme weakness.
Stopped the drug and after a week or two the rash went away. Did not take steroids. Not doctor supervised as doctor was too far away, so I went it alone. Not sure I would recommend this course of action to anyone else but it was what I had to do at the time.
Have heard of a number of people who have a bad reaction of some kind to claforan.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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kgg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5867
posted
If your LLMD is saying you need the solumedrol, then you probably do. They are aware of the risks, know you as a patient and the severity of your reaction.
Everything I read said it was self limiting usually in 5 days. So if you are still reacting 8 days later, it sounds like you are having a good reaction.
Hope you feel better soon, Karen
Posts: 1846 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
bcerg - I don't know anything about Serum Sickness so I don't want to speak out of turn, but from all I know I would avoid heavy duty steroids, unless it was a life or death situation.
Maybe google some natural alternatives, then run these by your doctor as alternatives.
Sorry for this setback you are having. Wishing you well.
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You do not say WHO is prescribing this.
IF your LLMD, are you absolutely, positivetly 100% certain they are, in fact, ILADS educated with years of experience?
Even "regular" doses of steroids for those without lyme can kill those with lyme. Really. It has happened. They have also caused lyme to become nearly impossible to treat.
Still, if your LLMD is one of the best in the U.S. and is clearly very active and continually learning with ILADS, then they should have more detail about the specifics in your case.
One thing I've learned is that anytime someone says steroids are required, there may be another way that is much safer. Or, a different dose with other kinds of support around that.
Hopefully, your LLMD is tops in the field and is the one guiding this approach.
I don't know about serum sickness but do know that sometimes, extreme meausures must be taken to prevent all out adrenal failure that can be fatal, itself.
If you are not near adrenal failure, though, it seems there may be other options. If you are near adrenal failure, then it's really important to do what you need to do to address that - with LLMD guidance.
Still, be sure to consider the links in the next post. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Serum sickness in humans is a reaction to proteins in antiserum derived from a non-human animal source, occuring 4-10 days after exposure.
It is a type of hypersensitivity, specifically immune complex hypersensitivity (type III).
The term serum sickness�like reaction (SSLR) is occasionally used to refer to similar illnesses that arise from the introduction of certain non-protein substances.[1] . . .
. . . Causes
When an antiserum is given, the human immune system can mistake the proteins present for harmful antigens.
The body produces antibodies, which combine with these proteins to form immune complexes. These complexes enter walls of blood vessels and initiate an inflammatory response.
They can also cause more reactions resulting in typical symptoms of serum sickness. This results in hypocomplementemia, a low C3 level in serum.
Antitoxins and Antisera
Serum sickness can be developed as a result of exposure to antibodies derived from animals.
These sera or antitoxins are generally administered to prevent or treat an infection or envenomation.
Drugs
Some of the drugs associated with serum sickness are:
allopurinol barbiturates captopril
cephalosporins griseofulvin penicillins
phenytoin procainamide quinidine
streptokinase sulfonamides
Others
Allergenic extracts, hormones and vaccines can also cause serum sickness. . . .
. . . Treatment
With discontinuation of offending agent, symptoms usually disappear within 4�5 days.
Corticosteroids, Antihistamines, and analgesics are main line of treatment. The choice depends of severity of reaction.
Use of plasmapheresis has also been described.[3] . . . . -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I'm sure you've already read from several medical sources the patient and doctor informtion on this drug.
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid or corticosteroid drug. It is marketed in the USA and Canada under the brand names Medrol and Solu-Medrol.[1] It is also available as a generic drug.
It is a variant of prednisolone, methylated at carbon 6 of the B ring. . . .
. . . Uses
Like most adrenocortical steroids, methylprednisolone is typically used for its anti-inflammatory effects. However, glucocorticoids have a wide range of effects, including changes to metabolism and immune responses.
The list of medical conditions for which methylprednisolone is prescribed is rather long, and is similar to other corticosteroids such as prednisolone.
. . . [see cautions and how to never stop cold turkey] . . .
. . . Individuals on methylprednisolone therapy should assiduously avoid exposure to measles and chicken pox as contracting these viral infections while on high dose corticosteroids can result in a potentially fatal viral course.
Any accidental exposure to these viral infections by individuals uncertain of their immunity to chicken pox or measles should be reported immediately as prophylactic immunoglobulin therapy may be administered. . . . -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I took this drug twice within a few months. Before I knew I was dealing with lyme. I had disasterous results.
Now, since you know the cautions in advance, just be sure that your LLMD is on top of the support needed around this.
If the prescribing doctor is not your LLMD, still, be sure your LLMD is on board with all the particulars.
If just to help reduce inflammation (which can create serious situations), there are many other ways to address that.
IV Magnesium might be one to ask your LLMD about. Others here:
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