Doxil Reaction?

Have any of you who are on Doxil (or have had it in the past) experienced skin redness all over your body like a sunburn?  It doesn't hurt or sting, but I'm definitely red.  I have been avoiding all the things I am supposed to avoid...no hot showers, no tight clothing, etc.  I'm not especially worried about this, but just curious to know if it has happened to anyone else.

Thanks,
Gail  

[Helmar]

HI Gail... How many Doxil treatments have you had so far? What you describe sounds like an allergic reaction, particularly if you are not taking hot showers, or wearing tight fitting clothes. I'm about to start Doxil next week. I did have it a couple of years ago, and it worked well, but I had 6 very large and very sore mouth ulcers... the only side affect that I had, so that wasn't the best. After 4 treatments my Oncol. took me off it due to the mouth sores, but it kept on working for 3 months after I finished. I'm hoping that it will work again for me... and this time I know to suck on ice, so hopefully that will help. I do hope  you will soon be o.k. and the redness will disappear. Best wishes Gail...hugs..Helen..

[crecco]

I agree with Helen, it almost sounds like an allergic reaction. But since we are not Drs, please bring it up to your onc when you go back. Also keep a special eye on your hands and feet, as hand-foot syndome is a possiblility. I developed that whne I was on Doxil. It was mostly on my feet but it can become extremely painful, and can be serious. Let us know how you come along with it and I hope that it does the job for you.
   Love Chris

[SimplyStar]

this is one of the comman side effects of Doxil   it is called flushing    below is from the doxil web site

l
Skin Reactions - Includes: dry skin, flushing, hyperpigmentation, nail changes, photosensitivity, radiation recall, rash. What are skin reactions? Skin reactions to drug therapy are extremely common. All drugs may induce skin reactions, although if they do occur they are usually mild, however, some skin reactions are severe
http://www.chemocare.com/managing/skin_reactions.asp
  it is one of the predictible side effects and will fade  it has nothing to do with the  effectiveness of the chemo though   we were told that some peoples skin is just more sensitive to drugs.  Are you a Red Head by any chance.  they are much more affected  by  this.   Leslee is getting ready for number 10  this month,  after a new scan , blood work and the MUGA.  she actually feels quite well.   Marty

[gah_70]

Thanks for your comments, ladies.  So far, that seems to be the only reaction I've had with it so far, so fingers crossed this is as bad as it gets.  This was only my 2nd treatment of it, though.  I'm afraid of the hand/foot syndrome since I had such a reaction to Taxotere.  I thought I would probably have the same with Doxil.  But these things are all so different, its hard to tell.  I do get cold packs on my wrists and ankles before the treatments.  Its funny to watch the other patients as they tie them on me.  The first time, some of them thought I was being restrained!  Not a bad idea, maybe!  

Helen, they gave me a Doxil "starter pack" when I had my first infusion.  It was a bag with all sorts of goodies in it, including gel inserts for shoes, sunscreen, Udder Cream lotion, a temp sensitive card that you can test the shower water with before you get in, a water bottle that turns purple when it is exposed to UV rays, a hat, and the cold packs.  I wonder if they would have that available at your Oncologists office.  Might be worth asking.  Some of those things have come in pretty handy.  

Chris, did you use cold packs when you had it?  

Marty, I'm glad Leslee is doing well with it, too.  Has she had the MUGA scan follow-up yet?  I'll be praying everything turns out well since this seems be keeping her stable.

By the way, I learned heated seats in the car are not a good idea while on this, too.  Ouch!

Gail

[SimplyStar]

forgot to ask you if you are taking the COQ10?  the f/h  thing usually starts about 2 weeks after the 2nd infusion, sure hope with your preventive measures it doesn't happen to you.  The sea salt/soda mouth washes  have helped les keep the mouth sores away.  she has all the tests in 1 1/2 weeks  just prior to her infusion. We wait with baited breath.  Marty

[gah_70]

Yes, I started the CoQ10 the week I had my first treatment.  Started fish oil and flax seed oil, too.  I'm hoping it helps keeps things stable.  The results from my first MUGA scan were good.  Doc said I should be a wrestler...ha/ha!  I got some stuff called Prevention Oncology mouth rinse that I have been using, but probably not a bad idea to do the sea salt/soda rinses, too.  Topotecan messed my mouth up really badly.  I can't imagine how mouth ulcers would be.  An ounce of prevention...as they say.  

Gail