Rash-hives AFTER long term Atripla use

[xasxas]

Hi,

I am up in the middle of the night with a horrendous rash and hives -- sorry if some of this ends up being incoherent.

Anyway, I've been on Atripla for more than 6 months and I've just now started to get a rash and hives.  I think it's from the Atripla because the rash-hives only occur after  I've taken my nightly dose and I've changed a bunch of other things to make sure it wasn't from something else like detergents or bedding.

So, has this happened to anyone else?  Is this a passing side effect?

[Ann]

xas, this is definitely something to talk to your doctor about and the sooner, the better.

It sounds like this has been an ongoing problem (how long?), and not just last night. Is it getting worse each time it happens? If so, contact your doctor ASAP.

While the rash associated with starting a new med usually happens in the first four weeks or so, it's not totally unheard of for it to take longer to show up. While the rash is normally harmless (but annoying) and goes away within a week or so, it can potentially be very dangerous (Stevens-Johnson syndrome aka SJS).

Again, you'd be wise to contact your doctor ASAP. If you develop a fever and/or a feeling of burning in you mouth or other mucus membranes, go to a hospital emergency room.

While your rash is most likely to be nothing to worry about, you really should have it evaluated by a doctor. Good luck and let us know how it all turns out.

Ann

[mikeyb39]

Hi,

I am up in the middle of the night with a horrendous rash and hives -- sorry if some of this ends up being incoherent.

Anyway, I've been on Atripla for more than 6 months and I've just now started to get a rash and hives.  I think it's from the Atripla because the rash-hives only occur after  I've taken my nightly dose and I've changed a bunch of other things to make sure it wasn't from something else like detergents or bedding.

So, has this happened to anyone else?  Is this a passing side effect?

Hi Xasxas,

i'm guessing it probably the Atripla.  I was on it for 7 to 8 months, then i started getting issues with nerve damage in my feet.  It wasn't until my doctor switched me off that i was able to walk and put on a pair of shoes, it took several months before i started to feel normal again after stopping.  So its definitely possible that you are having a delayed symptom.

[xasxas]

It sounds like this has been an ongoing problem (how long?), and not just last night. Is it getting worse each time it happens? If so, contact your doctor ASAP.

While the rash associated with starting a new med usually happens in the first four weeks or so, it's not totally unheard of for it to take longer to show up. While the rash is normally harmless (but annoying) and goes away within a week or so, it can potentially be very dangerous (Stevens-Johnson syndrome aka SJS).

Again, you'd be wise to contact your doctor ASAP. If you develop a fever and/or a feeling of burning in you mouth or other mucus membranes, go to a hospital emergency room.

While your rash is most likely to be nothing to worry about, you really should have it evaluated by a doctor. Good luck and let us know how it all turns out.

Ann

Ann & Mikey - thank you for the replies.  I will discuss this with my doc soon, as I have an appointment with him.

This has been going off and on for a couple of weeks.  The first couple of nights were the worst and it's not as bad now -- less frequent and also not as strong a rash.

The hives and rash tend to go away within the hour once I wake up.  And if I take antihistamines before I go to bed, it seems to keep me from getting it.

I really hope I don't have to switch from Atripla as I really like this medical regimen and its really worked well for me.

[Ann]

xas, if it's gradually getting better and antihistamines help, it's most likely just your body adjusting and it will clear up completely within the next week or two. All the same, you should still discuss it with your doctor.

Hope you feel better soon.