Allergic Reactions

[daisy.girl]

I am allergic to cipro, topamax, zonegran, lamictal, keppra, tysabri and gilenya................

I asked my Neuro if it makes sense that MS patients would have a higher rate of allergic reactions due to our over active immune systems.....His response was that in theory that was completely correct, it only stands to reason if our body attack our own myelin, it would really attack an outside substance, like a foreign medication.

I wonder how many MS patients have allergic reactions to medicines??

[COBOB]

Quix has a better background in immunology and immunochemistry than I do, but I do not believe that PwMS have a higher "allergic response" to  medications.  I think that is related to individuals and there genetic predisposition to allergic responses.  

I have Hay Fever and get a drug rash from Tolectin.  I also have had anaphylactic reactions to wasp stings, but not bee stings.  Each and every time you are stung and you are exposed to that foreign protein, you risk an  anaphylactic reaction.  Many allergies are "learned" antibody responses.   I am sensitive to some foreign proteins, but not others.  Thankfully, I am not sensitive to beef, chicken, fish or pork.

CRAB DMDs all contain proteins, peptides, and/or polypeptides (strings of amino acids) and are all capable of "activating" the immune system.  These substances might typically cause  IgE mediated Mast cell and basophil activation.  In the case of Penicillin, you need to think of it less as a drug and more as a "designer peptide" since the core of Penicillin is three amino acids: L-α-aminoadipic acid, L-cysteine, L-valine.  It looks more like a protein than a chemical.  Even Latex gloves cause their allergic reactions from the Latex protein activating the immune system.

I think the MS "hyperactive immune system" is less likely than a specific genetic predisposition within a specific individual.  In truth, the only thing we know for sure in someone wt clinically definite MS with t2 lesion activity is that it appears that the immune system is attacking the myelin.  There are questions now if there are other forms of MS or related diseases that might directly attack the axons.    I know many people without MS or other diagnosed autoimmune problems that seem far more sensitive to drugs and environmental allergens than I am.

Bob

[Eyesnlegs]

Hi daisy.girl, I don't think we have met before.

I also have some really bad reactions to drugs - some have landed me in hospital!! I am currenlty working with my GP and a neuro-psych as I am now so damn terrified of taking anything that I may be suffering unecessarily.

However, they both agree that it is a medical problem rather than a psychological one since the reactions are real. But ......it has left me so worried that I am refusing a DMD - yikes!! The only reassurnace given me is that it is 'rare' to die from the first dose of a drug :o - would you trust that.

I'd be interested to see if others have the same problem as what you say makes sense to me.

Be Well
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