HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Swollen, Red, Burning Sensation In Face. Taking RA Medication. Any Advice?

I have a few health conditions that I need to mention first. I have RA and FM. I was diagnosed with RA almost 11 years ago. Also about 2 years ago I tested positive for TB. I had to go thru the 9 months of antibiotics; however, I have having serve organ failure on them and had to stop at month 7. In addition, I have developed multiple allergies to meds over the years. This is the current list I am on: 1. CLOPIDOGREL (PLAVIX) 75 MG TABLET Instructions: Take 1 tablet by mouth once daily. 2. HYDROMORPHONE ( DILAUDID ) 2 MG TABLET Instructions: Take 1-2 tablets by mouth every 4 hours if needed for pain. 3. SULFASALAZINE (AZULFIDINE EN-TAB) 500 MG EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLET Instructions: 1/d with supper for 2 weeks and then 1 bid with food. 4. METHYLPREDNISOLONE (MEDROL, PAK,) 4 MG TABLET Instructions: Follow instructions on the prescription. 5. METHOTREXATE 25 MG/ML INJECTION Instructions: Inject 25 mg subcutaneous once weekly. indications: rheumatoid arthritis 6.LEUCOVORIN 5 MG TABLET Instructions: Take two tablets by mouth 12 hours after taking methotrexate dose once a week 7.ADALIMUMAB (HUMIRA) 40 MG/0.8 ML INJECTION Instructions: 1`/week 8.PANTOPRAZOLE (PROTONIX) 40 MG TABLET Instructions: Take 1 tablet by mouth once daily. 9.AMPHETAMINE-DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (ADDERALL) 20 MG TABLET Instructions: Take 2 tablets by mouth 2 times daily. For the past 2 – 3 months, I have been experiencing a swollen, red burning sensation in my face, specifically my nose but sometimes I feel the “burning” below my nose and along side of nose (not really in the cheeks but that direction). At times it gets as red as Rudolf and then the swelling increases as well. It’s really becoming problematic because it swells so much that I cannot tolerate wearing my glasses any more. I lost my primary MD due to retirement and trying to find someone that understands the RA meds as well as my long allergy list has proven to be a difficult task. I know I need to see a doctor but daily schedule is pretty chaotic, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. Rheumatologist, EarNoseThroat or Family Practice doc. Any other advice is welcomed too. Thanks for your time!
Tue, 25 Sep 2012
Report Abuse
Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello Kipani4,

The list of medications you are on (although quite long) is unfortunately what remains is the standard treatment for RA and also the biologicals like adalimumab that requires MTX to prevent autoantibody generation.
You are quite right in thinking of Allergy with what seems to be rhinitis and occasionally allergenic triggers may become a problem in patients with autoimmune disorders. It would be very helpful if you could remember at the time when the problems started 3 months, if there were any new medications introduced or changed to something else.
However, if I considered drug allergy the top of the list will be hydromorphone that is an opioid analgesic and can cause direct mast cell histamine release WITHOUT any allergy - specific antibodies. There is now a blood test available for those who want to exclude morphine allergy, specific IgE against morphine. Pain killers can also cause direct mast cell degranulation and antihistamines are very helpful. Please see your doctor for an antihistamine prescription that needs to be used for 4-6 weeks after stopping the hydromorphone to see an effect.
Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Azulfidine


Loading Online Doctors....
Swollen, Red, Burning Sensation In Face. Taking RA Medication. Any Advice?

Hello Kipani4, The list of medications you are on (although quite long) is unfortunately what remains is the standard treatment for RA and also the biologicals like adalimumab that requires MTX to prevent autoantibody generation. You are quite right in thinking of Allergy with what seems to be rhinitis and occasionally allergenic triggers may become a problem in patients with autoimmune disorders. It would be very helpful if you could remember at the time when the problems started 3 months, if there were any new medications introduced or changed to something else. However, if I considered drug allergy the top of the list will be hydromorphone that is an opioid analgesic and can cause direct mast cell histamine release WITHOUT any allergy - specific antibodies. There is now a blood test available for those who want to exclude morphine allergy, specific IgE against morphine. Pain killers can also cause direct mast cell degranulation and antihistamines are very helpful. Please see your doctor for an antihistamine prescription that needs to be used for 4-6 weeks after stopping the hydromorphone to see an effect. Thanks.