Rupafin/Rupatadine for Chronic Idiopathic Hives

[fruits66]

Hi:  I have had itchy, hot, urticaria/hives since July.  Better now than when I first got them, but not gone and often flare up. Have seen dermatologists and 2 allergists.  Other than drawing blood for testing (nothing unusual shows up) putting me on lots of meds ( Daily: 8 atarax 25 mg each, 1 doxepin 25mg at bedtime and two zyrtec 10mg each, one ranitidine 300 mg) they have not been able to do much.  And none of the meds made me tired.

My internist was concerened about all the meds I was taking so have gotten off of everything except 5 atarax/day.  Tried to stop the atarax completely but w/in 2 days hives came back w/ a vengence.

Have ordered Rupatadine/Rupafin from Canada.  Trying to find info about possible side effects, esp hair loss (yes I am vain).  Could only find a couple studies on the internet.  Any help is appreciated.  TY

[fruits66]

Hi:  Thank you for commenting.  I have read everything I can find on rupatadine/rupafin (couple research reviews & articles and the entire package insert).  Have also spoken to 2 allergists about it.  However, because it is not approved in the US, no US doctor can really talk to me about it w/ any knowledge.  One did say that its main ingredient was one that I had already been taking in an FDA approved drug- I think it was the citirizine/zertec.   I received a shipment today from Canada which will last 30 days so will give it a try along w/ the Atarax I take.  By the way, nothing I have taken has made me tired or drowsy including 200 mg of Atarax taken over 12 hours along w/ ranitidine, doxepin etc. And nothing seems to ever control the hives for very long.  As you may know, lots of excitement about Xolair out of Johns Hopkins & being published in the New England journal.     Two allergists have talked to me about it.  One has been prescribing it for asthma patients for 8 years w/ no ill effects so it is also a thought.  Of course, as soon as you stop taking it the hives come back.  ARRRG.  Thanks again

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Rupafin, containing the active ingredient rupatadine,  is a non-sedating antihistamine indicated for allergies. Side effects such as headache dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue and asthenia  may be possible but like any other medicine, these may or may not be present in all patients who are taking this medicine. It is also recommended that you discuss this with your attending physician prior to taking it. Take care and do keep us posted.