The medicine that we take to control our diabetes is wonderful, but like any medicine it comes with a whole bunch of problems. I’ve written about some of these problems here, like drug interactions in “Worst Pills?” and weight gain in “Our Double Bind”.
Especially serious, however, is when...
Allergic Reaction to Insulin: What to Do
1/13/06 12:33am
I'm allergic to Humalog but not Novalog or Apidra. It's probably the preservative, and I could tolerate it with injections, but can't use it with a pump.
Basically, I itch at the injection site. As the insulin went into the infusion site, the itching got worse. I could tolerate it for maybe a day and a half, sometimes two. Most of the time I scratched the set off in my sleep.
No problems with the other rapid acting insulins.
2/ 1/06 4:31pm
I had progressively severe reactions to NPH and ultra-rapid insulins by Novo Nordisk, and with each one my blood glucose skyrocketed. It took quite a bit of research to find out about the general systemic allergic reaction I had - rapid heart rate, quick drop in blood pressure, itching, breathing problems, intense sweating and hallucinations.
It is possible it is one of the additives they use, which they admit can cause reactions.
I also cannot take the oral meds, leaving only alternative treatments.
Its too bad the medical profession is so poorly educated about such possible reactions.
2/ 1/06 8:12pm
Adverse tummy reactions to metformin (tried it many times over 20 years). IBS with NovoNorm. Other orals gave me hypo symptoms when I was far from hypo. Actos gave me swollen legs (and for months the doc could not find the cause). NPH made me feel like a truck had run over me, plus joint aches and a continuous headache. So far NovoRapid and Lantus seem OK systemically but small reactions at injection sites. Not good to be forced to inject because orals make me react so badly, and then to be so adversely reactive to NPH!
2/ 1/06 11:43pm
I am allergic to a lot of medications. I am trying blood pressure medication to replace one that quit working.
1. had sulfa and Beta Blockers made my Asthma worse
2. caused my pulse to zoom to 105 and could not sleep
3. caused my feet to swell and the bottoms were numb
? should I try another one? My BP is a little better by doubling Clonidine--mouth dry.
Michele,
David's Response
I know from my wife's experience that there are a whole lot of blood pressure medications to choose from. She finally found one that works and doesn't have side effects like a bad cough. I hope that you keep trying to find one that works for you.
7/11/06 4:16pm
I have been on Byetta 5mcg, BID, since March 24, and am currently itching with hives. I am allergic to the antibiotics - Cipril and Levaquin, therefore I have devised my own system to prevent UTI's. Also, Avandia, was on 8 mg for 2 years - my ankles swelled so badly and had severe SOB, a cardiologist sent me for an angiogram - no blockage. Glyburide caused 5 hypoglycemia episodes - one, I passed out on an airplane, and another I passed out driving and totaled my car. I have had allergy testing, am very allergic to dust, molds, tree, flower and grass pollen. In general, I avoid convenience foods - mostly stick to veggies, fruits and other "whole foods."
11/22/06 1:02am
I occasionally have severe itching when I take nph at bedtime the itching in on my hands back and front all old injection sites tops of my feet doesnt happen all the time why would this just happen sometimes?I store my nph at room temperature Can some one answer by email please?
David's Response:
It is possible that you are allergic to the NPH insulin or something in it. This would be a good question to discuss with your doctor, and while you are at it, you might ask for a prescription for a different NPH insulin from a different company.
10/25/07 6:51pm
I was recently admitted to the hospital for extremely high blood sugars. I was given insulin not sure what kind. I immediately had a suphur taste in my mouth as well as had diffculty breathing nausea and a server headache. I am now being told by my endo that no one has ever had this and that I it is all in my head. Does any one have any advice ?>>>
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