Anyone Else Get A Rash From Epo?

[Susan]

A while back I had an Epo shot and got a rash on my trunk that lasted about 10 days.It was very itchy. My 65 yr old hem said this was the first time he's ever seen this. Lucky me to be an oddball.

The scientific advisor at the drug company said I'm probably allergic to the mammal the drug was grown in, Chinese hamster. Now I'm wondering if it might be "just" a side effect rather than a true allergy. It's common for patients getting other meds such as ATG to get a rash and it's considered typical and 'normal." They just use Benadryl, etc.

I'll try to find out if becoming desensitized, slow low dose intro of the med is an option. Has anyone else gotten a rash from Epo? Was a solution found?

At least I'm tolerating Nuepogen very well. I was so happy to learn it's grown in e-coli cells and not Chinese hamsters.

[Data]

Suz,
I have been on Epogen for 4 weeks now. I haven't had any rash. My Hb went up from 9.1 to 9.8 but it hasn't made me feel any less tired.

Data

[Mseth]

Suz,

My mother has tried several doses of epo, upto 60,000 per week. No rash or side effect, but no positive effect on Hb either.

Maybe you can try changing the brand, in case that works.

[Susan]

Thanks for the replies. Data I'm glad the Hgb went up but sorry it doesn't make give you any more energy. At least an improved hgb is protective for the heart.

[Mswiz]

I started on EPO Sept 2013 and saw hem go up quickly and got a mild rash on the back of my neck, which persists but is very mild. I have AA and all counts have stayed low despite ATG 1 yr ago. I seemed to have a rash flare up when I took antihistamines for pine pollen on holiday, but then settled down again. I'll take the minor rash to keep hem up to 103 and avoid transfusions.