Recent transplant patient - has hives

[dottyg]

My husband had a liver transplant on Aug.5th - and has been **** well. Today he broke out in hives all over his head. He is itching terribly - and the 2nd Benadryl hasn't helped. He is on Cellcept, prograf, and is in a clinical trial (so we don't really know what the extra meds are). Should we be concerned???

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

yes definitely but usually accompanied by a rash

[dottyg]

Thanks again for your wise counsel. No rash yet - so we are leaning towards one of the drugs in the trial.

[dottyg]

Could the sulpha drug be the cause?

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

as long as his liver enzyme tests are normal i would not be concerned as a liver condition can cause the itching as can diabetes and kidney problems.  I wonder if the study medication could be playing a role.  Actigall is a commonly used medication post-transplant and can paradoxically cause itching.