Re: Does it sound like PSC?

[Guest guest]

Not based on what I've heard - soounds more like a reaction to

Penatasa (mesalamine). From http://www.drugs.com/sfx/pentasa-side-

effects.html#system_4773

Dermatologic side effects have included rash (up to 7%), sweating (up

to 3%), pruritus (up to 3%), alopecia (less than 3%), and acne (up to

2%). Infrequently, lupus erythematosus-like reactions, prurigo,

urticaria, dry skin, eczema, erythema nodosum, lichen planus, nail

disorder, photosensitivity, folliculitis (rare), psoriasis (rare),

and pyoderma gangrenosum (rare) have been reported.

and

A male patient with ulcerative colitis experienced pruriginous rash

coincident with mesalamine therapy. He experienced the cutaneous

hypersensitivity reaction 48 hours after initiating therapy with

mesalamine 500 mg orally every 8 hours. After mesalamine was

suspended and antihistamines were given, the patient recovered. Upon

reintroduction of mesalamine, the symptoms appeared again 24 hours

later.

Hypersensitivity side effects have included rash and pruritus

(greater than 2%); arthralgias, myalgias, and fever (greater than

1%); and less commonly, allergic reactions (which could involve

eosinophilia), hepatitis, interstitial pneumonitis, and pericarditis.

At least two cases of pruriginous rash have been reported.

I'd suspect the Pentasa (I am not a physician), based on what you

describe and the above. It's easy to check, and there are other UC

drugs as effective as Pentasa. The blood tests MAY not show any

elevated LFTs (even with PSC), so stopping the Pentasa may be a

better check. See what your Dr. says.

Welcome (and hope you don't have to stay!).

Arne

UC 1977 - PSC 2000

Hi there

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 6 months ago and they did

blood tests at the time and said they were all normal. Since then have

been on Pentasa and have stayed in remission (my UC was just in the

last bit of the colon and rectum and the biopsy described it as being

mild to moderate).

However, in the last month I have developed what I would describe as a

mild itch, mainly on my scalp, face, arms, legs and around my waist...

[Guest guest]

Not based on what I've heard - soounds more like a reaction to

Penatasa (mesalamine). From http://www.drugs.com/sfx/pentasa-side-

effects.html#system_4773

Dermatologic side effects have included rash (up to 7%), sweating (up

to 3%), pruritus (up to 3%), alopecia (less than 3%), and acne (up to

2%). Infrequently, lupus erythematosus-like reactions, prurigo,

urticaria, dry skin, eczema, erythema nodosum, lichen planus, nail

disorder, photosensitivity, folliculitis (rare), psoriasis (rare),

and pyoderma gangrenosum (rare) have been reported.

and

A male patient with ulcerative colitis experienced pruriginous rash

coincident with mesalamine therapy. He experienced the cutaneous

hypersensitivity reaction 48 hours after initiating therapy with

mesalamine 500 mg orally every 8 hours. After mesalamine was

suspended and antihistamines were given, the patient recovered. Upon

reintroduction of mesalamine, the symptoms appeared again 24 hours

later.

Hypersensitivity side effects have included rash and pruritus

(greater than 2%); arthralgias, myalgias, and fever (greater than

1%); and less commonly, allergic reactions (which could involve

eosinophilia), hepatitis, interstitial pneumonitis, and pericarditis.

At least two cases of pruriginous rash have been reported.

I'd suspect the Pentasa (I am not a physician), based on what you

describe and the above. It's easy to check, and there are other UC

drugs as effective as Pentasa. The blood tests MAY not show any

elevated LFTs (even with PSC), so stopping the Pentasa may be a

better check. See what your Dr. says.

Welcome (and hope you don't have to stay!).

Arne

UC 1977 - PSC 2000

Hi there

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 6 months ago and they did

blood tests at the time and said they were all normal. Since then have

been on Pentasa and have stayed in remission (my UC was just in the

last bit of the colon and rectum and the biopsy described it as being

mild to moderate).

However, in the last month I have developed what I would describe as a

mild itch, mainly on my scalp, face, arms, legs and around my waist...

[Guest guest]

Thanks Arne - really appreciate you getting back to me.

I hope that it's something as simple as switching medications. Although it seems

odd that it took 4 months of me taking them before I started to react (if that's

what it is), but the doctor said it could be a delayed reaction.

I've read through more of the posts here and most people describe a more severe

itch than I think I am experiencing. But when you Google Ulcerative Colitis and

Itching with no rash, PSC always comes up.

I guess I need to just be patient and see what the Doc says.

Thanks again for the welcome and feedback.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Arne - really appreciate you getting back to me.

I hope that it's something as simple as switching medications. Although it seems

odd that it took 4 months of me taking them before I started to react (if that's

what it is), but the doctor said it could be a delayed reaction.

I've read through more of the posts here and most people describe a more severe

itch than I think I am experiencing. But when you Google Ulcerative Colitis and

Itching with no rash, PSC always comes up.

I guess I need to just be patient and see what the Doc says.

Thanks again for the welcome and feedback.

[Guest guest]

Well, I had my blood tests back and all is normal. Which I guess is a relief. My

itching has subsided slightly so maybe it's just " one of those things " . I will

go to the doctor next week and see what to do next. Probably as you say, just

switch meds.

If nothing else, as a UC sufferer, this little interlude has rasied my awareness

and understanding of PSC - and I think if more people are aware of it, it's no

bad thing. Hope they find a cure soon.

Thanks again.

>

> Hi there

>

> I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 6 months ago and they did

> blood tests at the time and said they were all normal. Since then have

> been on Pentasa and have stayed in remission (my UC was just in the

> last bit of the colon and rectum and the biopsy described it as being

> mild to moderate).

>

> However, in the last month I have developed what I would describe as a

> mild itch, mainly on my scalp, face, arms, legs and around my waist...

>