Vaccine reaction of Generalized Pruritis (Itching) Need Answers

6 hours after receiving a double booster of hep b vaccine from Glaxo Smith Kline I became quite ill, nausea, gastro pain issues etc. The next day this reaction faded and was replaced by generalized Pruritis (Itching). I received a double booster because my immunity titer level always would fall off with one shot. I was assured that the double shot was safe.

I had the shot in late October and have just started heavy duty anti histamines (Adarax) and prednisone a week ago (Dec4) to supress what my doctors classify as an over immune response. Glaxco has been  unhelpful in providing info on a possible cure/treatment and how long it may take to go away. This company admits that in 0.03 to 0.05 % of shots that this reaction can happen, but it is "very rare". They say my case sounds uncomfortable but they have reports of worst itching accompanied by severe body rashes/Hives that usually clear with 3 months or so with prednisone intervention. I do not have rashes but my skin does turn red easily when pressure is applied and it take 15-30 minutes or so to fade.

My doctors feel that with prednisone/adarax my immune system should but  settle down in the next month and the itching should subside.

I would appreciate anyone who has had a similar reaction to share what meds brought relief/cure and how long it took this reaction to fade. For me it has been approximately 7 weeks with no end in site. One week on prednisone has helped a bit but no huge improvement.

[jonihs]

I had the puritus after liver failure and belirubin. The only relief I found at all was a lotion called Sarna. You can get it at any drug store. It seems kind of expensive, but seems to last, so it's worth it. Hope it helps,  Joni

[jonihs]

I still think the sarna would be worth a try.     Joni

[mrideout]

Thanks for the response. Your situation is different than mine. I have had a 100 tests to eliminate causes of body itching including a liver biopsy/parasites ultrasounds chest x rays bloodwork. My bilirubin is normal. This reaction started less than 24 hours after the double vaccine shot so thats what the doctors have zoned in on. I am taking allegra during the day, adirax at night and 15 mg of prednisone for the last week to try and calm the immune system response that occured nearly 7 weeks ago. Very frustrating so far as I have had little relief from the constant pricklingt

[mrideout]

Update:

Well the good news I guess is that I am now immune to hep B Titer level is 150.

The pruritis started 7 weeks ago 24 hrs after after the shot and is still with me, although since I started antihistamines and prednisone a week ago it has started to feel a bit better in the last 24 hours.

My doc just had me start increasing the prednisone dosage to 40mg per day for the next week. Then start reducing the dosage for the last 2 weeks.

If my titer levels ever fall off to non immune status again I will never have this shot again!