So, my mother-in-law is having a tough time with her medication. She has developed a rash over her arms and legs that is causing severe itching. Also her skin has thinned a lot so when she scratches she bleeds very easily. Another thing is she bruises so easily. She had a bruise the size of a fist on her arm and when I asked her about it she didn't even know she had it. All she had done was scratch it the night before. She was taking Leflunomide for the past 6 months and prednisone. she found relief from the leflunomide. when the rash became a big problem her RA doc took her off the leflunomide. No relief yet! She went to her family doc, then ra doc, and then he sent her to a dermatologist. I really feel like they are passing her off to anyone else . I know it is discouraging to her. The derm gave her some things for her bath, so she can no longer take showers. If this is frustrating for me I cannot even imagine what she is going through. She has such a strong faith that the lord will take care of her. I admire her trust in the lord. Well, any suggestions help! Thanks!
Dear Kristina
It,s awful that your MiL is having such a bad reaction to her medications.
Prednosone( cortisone) would thin the skin and allow bruising to develop easily.
This is more severe if she is taking more than 12 mgs. a day
I have heard that as we age we don't need such high doses.
As to the rashes,the rhemy will possibly consider another drug,
there are plenty out there and we are always on the change,
to find one that works better.
I had rashes with Embrel and humira but have been so far fine with MabThea( except for the re-occuring shingles, which weren't severe because i began to understand the warning signs and nipped them in the bud)
All the best to you and MiL
I have read the advise and encouragement of the others and I supprt you too in your endeavours
Love DebbieLou