I have been experiencing some sort of allergic reaction all week. I am itchy all over and have a rash but it is not a raised rash and seems to be worse the more I scratch at it. It is worse on my stomach and chest but is also on my back, arms, and legs but is not on my face at all.
I take 2 Lialda in the morning and have been for over a year now. I also take azathiroprine 100mg in the morning but have been taking that since 2002 and that is what originally put me into remission. The Lialda was only added after findings of significant inflamation and ulcerations on repeat colonscopy, no symptoms. I was hesitant to start a new medicine when feeling fine a year ago but my doctor said it was for the long term health of my colon. I just spent $600 out of pocket on another 90 day supply of Lialda recently so I hope it is not what is causing the reaction but I can't figure out what else it may be.
Has anyone else experienced a rash with Lialda?
At first I thought it was a contact rash, possibly due to new scent of dryer sheets or possibly detergent or soap but I have elminated all those possible irritants and the rash persists. I called my GI doctor yesterday after finding information on the internet about allergic reactions to Lialda. He said he had never experienced it with any of his patients. He said rash was not a common side effect. He said it was possible it was caused by the Lialda but not likely especially since I had been on it for over a year. He said typically a reaction would occur within the first couple months of a new medicine. He instructed me to continue taking Lialda but he said I should take 50mg of Benadryl twice per day through the weekend and call him back on Monday if the rash is not gone. I have not taken Lialda since Wednesday morning. Now 60 hours later and on my 3rd dose of Benadryl the rash still persists. How long does Lialda take to leave your system? I thought one poster said it took a week off Lialda for the rash to go away.
Any advice/comments would be much appreciated! Thanks!