Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Sunday, November 02, 2008 2change asks

Q: Why do I break out in hives from NSAIDS and Tylenol?

I break out in hives from NSAIDS and tylenol. What could be the cause of this happening and are there any other pain medications I can take? (OTC or prescribed)

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Answers (3)
JB, Editor
11/19/08 12:14pm

Almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction. You seem to react to NSAIDS and Tylenol. You should see your doctor and possibly ask for a referral to an allergist.

Your reaction to the drugs may not actually be an allergic reaction, but you will need your doctor or a specialist to help make that determination.

 

Your doctor and/or pharmacist should also be able to recommened other drugs to take instead of the drugs that may cause your reaction.

 

Read more about drug allergies here.

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11/25/08 10:47pm

I break out horribly with hives - red, burning ears, itchy scalp, red itchy hives all over - with Advil, Aleve (which closes my airway) and Prednisone (ironically given for the hives).  Be very careful taking OTC NSAID's if you have had any type of reaction.  I would see your physician for a recommendation of something like Celebrex or other Rx alternative.

I also have Systemic Lupus.  If you have other symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, etc., I would have your physician look into autoimmune causes.

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6/ 9/09 6:07pm

I too suffer from head to toe hives and extreme facial swelling if I have anything containing NSAIDS or tylenol. It's frustrating, but I've just avoided everything on the list and have been fine for years. As for OTC med's just check the labels or ask a pharmacist. I've found it's mostly cold med's, etc. that contain them. Dimetapp Elixir, Robitussin DM and Benadryl Elixir all do not contain those ingredients. My allergist also told me the NSAIDS can stay in your system up to 6 months and certain things will trigger hives even if you haven't taken an NSAID. ie. stress, alcohol, etc. That was happening to me, but I'm fine now.

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By 2change— Last Modified: 10/20/10, First Published: 11/02/08