Allergy shots and TX

[wyntre9]

A new SX.  Any advice.

I've been on allergy shots since 1997 for chronic year-round problems.
I'm on maintenance dose, either 1 or 2 injections per month, depending on pollen counts, mold spores, symptoms, etc.

I self-inject,

Ever since starting TX I've noticed large half-dollar size welts at the site of the allergy injections.  (they're not supposed to be larger than a dime)

Does anyone think the severe reaction could be caused by the peg and ribavarin?

I haven't called my allergist yet.  I haven't had time.  Also, I don't want to discontinue the allergy shots coz I really need them.  

[dperry10]

I have a red patch where ever I gave the last 3 shots.. I have 3 at a time before they start to fade.  Also just starting to get the Riba Rash.  Its different sizes. to just the size of a pencil to the size of a silver dollar, and they are dry and prickly.. like I got into poison oak or ivy.. I even got a patch on my neck today..  errrrrr   I got some Sarna over the weekend and it seems to help, but awfully expensive...

[mremeet]

I'm not a doctor, but IFN stimulates your immune system. If you normally have a slight allergic reaction to your allergy med injections (prior to going on IFN/riba), then in my view it wouldn't be surprising to see that reaction get worse on interferon. Interferon can trigger autoimmune conditions and exacerbate allergies (which are overactive immune responses). So if it was a dime sized reaction prior to IFN, and now is a quarter size reaction while on IFN, then I'd suspect the IFN is causing it.

Do you know what type of medication you're injecting for the allergies?

[wyntre9]

You take allergy shots too?

[dperry10]

No to alergy (allergy) shots. just the Pegetron and now the Procrit.  and the Riba of course

[wyntre9]

Yes, I have two vials, both at 15,000 PNU/CC

One has dustmites, housedust, ragweed and Grasses7

The other has Trees5, Mold4, MW (don't know what that is) and Dog.

I was thinking my extreme reactions (which can be similar to pegasys, fatigue, discomfort, flu-like symptoms in addition to pain and swelling 2 injection sites - I do one in the left tricep the other in the right) were exacerbated by the Hep-C TX.

I have epinephrine on hand at all times - have to if you self inject allergy shots - and I was wondering if I should go talk to the allergist.

I really don't want to . . .

[mremeet]

Yeah I would definitely mull it over in detail with both your allergist and your hepatologist. I had a bad drug rash allergy a few months back while on treatment (from VX950). And although I can't know just how bad the rash/allergy would have been without the IFN in my system, I definitely believe the IFN exacerbated and prolonged my reaction to the drug, which continued unabated well after I had discontinued it.

If you get nasty allergies without these allergy shots while NOT being on IFN, then again I'd suspect you'd have even worse allergies while being on IFN under similar circumstances. I had to take an extended course of prednisone and solumedrol for my rash, which are immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants are exactly what you want to avoid when you're trying to fight off the virus. It tends to counteract an immunostimulating drug like IFN, basically standing on your own shoelaces. So avoiding a nasty allergy while on treatment would probably be advisable so that steroids can also be avoided.

[wyntre9]

"If you get nasty allergies without these allergy shots while NOT being on IFN, then again I'd suspect you'd have even worse allergies while being on IFN under similar circumstances. I had to take an extended course of prednisone and solumedrol for my rash, which are immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants are exactly what you want to avoid when you're trying to fight off the virus."

Thanks Mr. M.

That's what I think, too.  I did mention this to my gastro before starting tx, asking if there could be any interaction between the meds and he told me to keep taking the shots.

i guess he didn't want to assume I'd have a problem . . .

But it's got me a little worried coz after taking the peg and neupogen Friday, I took the allergy shots Sunday and i have felt truly llusy ever since.  Almost like the first week of TX.  Plus the red swellings on bioth arms are hideous and uncomfortable.  they're finally starting to shrink and fade.

Just another f***** complication to throw into the mix.

Oh what fun.  But I'm RREALLY glad I asked and got such good advice.

BTW - I spent a couple of years on and off prednisone while trying to get the allergies under control back in 1997 and I hope I NEVER have to go on that again.

[mremeet]

One more thing I forgot to mention is a steroidal lotion (clobex) I use for localized rash outbreaks. It really works, but it must be used carefully and according to directions (prescription only). You might want to try some of that on your allergy med injection reaction site. It may very well greatly reduce the reaction to manageable levels, ask your allergist about it.

[wyntre9]

Thanks much for the suggestion.

I think I'm also gonna try decreasing the dose for now.  (My allergist knows I do this.  She encourages it as she feels I should only take enough of the extract to manage the symptoms, which vary from season to season.)

[nygirl7]

I get them too - but not just at injection site. Dr. said it was an autoimmune reaction and it was like eczema. Gave me a med that helps reduce the swelling and itching and get rid of it.

IFN is some tough stuff!

[wyntre9]

"I get them too - but not just at injection site. Dr. said it was an autoimmune reaction and it was like eczema."

Hey superwoman!

And you take allergy shots, too????

My concern is that such huge welts at the injection site can indicate the need to take epinephrine as the reaction is sooooo strong and immediate!

I get the same reaction to bee and wasp stings.  Ended up in the emergency room several times coz of that.