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allergic reaction to Canasa

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/26/2018 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!

I got a rash about a month ago that started very suddenly in the night.

A few days ago I was diagnosed as a contact dermatitis by my derm on my neck and around my collarbone. He prescribed an Rx that definitely stopped the itching. The redness, flushing, and burning are still here.

I am scared it is the Canasa. I put my suppository in at night.

I have used the Canasa for 2 1/5 years at least with no troubles. Usually every other or every third day. My bowel habits are normal and I don't have any UP symptoms. (My case is pretty mild and I've always felt lucky that way.) My GI doctor said Canasa rashes are usually on the back and widespread.

Has anyone had an allergic reaction to Canasa so many years in? My derm seemed pretty sure it's topical dermatitis, but I'm also sure he sees very few patients who use Canasa.

My GI said it was OK to go off the meds for 10 days to check. But what do I do if I have to stop using it?

Any advice or insight would be much appreciated!

Thanks!
Posted 2/26/2018 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
We're much more prone to getting skin conditions (dry itchy skin, rashes, contact-dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) as an extra-intestinal complication to UC, whether we are on medications or not. I had contact-dermatitis a few years back and it was due to the harsh shampoos and body soap I was using. Laundry detergent could cause it as well. As could skin lotions, perfumes, colognes, etc. Using less harsh products, along with a topical steroid cream took care of it for me.

Canasa is unlikely to be the cause, as it is 90% topical. I'd blame chemicals that are direct contact with your skin for extended periods of time.
Posted 2/26/2018 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Me, I'm allergic to Canasa (but it is not the mesalamine b/c I use Rowasa and Lialda) It happened in the beginning for me though. Got a rash on my lower back and hips. Discontinued and than tried again....same thing happened. I use Rowasa (meslamine enema) but when I need a supp to melt low I use Anucort hc. Not as good as Canasa b/c it is a steroid but it is mild steroid and according to my Doc can be used somewhat regularly (not as in every day) but I use it about 2/week. I hope that helps. Hopefully it isn't the Canasa and you can continue to use it as it really is the best option.
B
Posted 2/28/2018 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
the odds of sudden development of allergic reaction after over 2yrs of use is very very low. The typical reaction is not a skin rash, so even more unlikely.

while it is a remote possibility, you time would be better spent figuring out where the rash likely came from, and less time worrying about a long shot like this

good luck
Posted 2/28/2018 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Random hives and eczema were some of my first symptoms of this flare. Cutting out wheat and refined sugar helped a bit but they still pop up (i woke upnw half my face swollen the other day). If it isnr the Canasa I would start keeping a log of everything you do/eat/touch for a few weeks and note your symptoms.
Posted 2/28/2018 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
allergic type reactions can happen either relatively quickly or over a period of time - there are no rules -
Posted 3/16/2018 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all of you!

I was very relieved to read iPoop's response; I agree that those of us with UC have extra-intestinal skin that can be more reactive. I can always tell when I've eaten something high in salicylate that my rectum does not appreciate. I get a burning on my scalp for a day or so. And the major rash did go away when I eliminated my old shampoo and conditioner. (Makes sense since the rash/flushing centered on my neck and face.)

I have been doing with DBwithUC and suchatravesty suggested--keeping a food journal and eliminating things. (Today and the next 2 days I'm trying my margarine.) I keep a decent paleo diet, so I thought I would begin by eliminating the few things I get in a package.

The rash is gone now--nearly 6 weeks later; but mild/moderate facial flushing and redness remain. And I've been using the Canasa consistently, so I am thinking it isn't the suppository, but something I am eating/using on/around my facial skin still. (Benedryl does not affect the redness/flushing--so it may also be a new food intolerance.)

I'll cut things back to white Dove soap and baby shampoo again for another week.

Thanks to all of you! I have pretty wicked health anxiety and the smallest thing sets it off. You have all been an amazing resource.
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