Re: IgE level testing & antihistamines

[Guest guest]

> How wonderful to see that there is a support group for Xolair. Saw

> my internist last week as I am going very allergic to foods and

> smells and have recurrent anaphylaxis (borderline asthmatic).

>

> He sent me to the lab to have IgE levels done and said if they are

> high then he may do the Xolair shot on me to lower the IgE levels.

>

> My question: I was on Claritin (antihistamine) at the time of the

> IgE blood draw. Will that medication lower the IgE levels in the

> test?

>

>

,

First of all WELCOME

Did your doctor know you were on Claritin when he took the blood test?

I had my IGE test over a year ago and I was not on any antihistimine

at the time, but I was on my maintenence dose of my REGULAR allergy

shots.

I would call his office just to give you piece of mind

Doug

Group Founder

Xolair user since Autust 2003

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group! I am 85% sure that claritin will not have an

effect on your IgE levels - if it did, we probably all wouldn't need

Xolair! I've had my IgE drawn several times over the past few years

while on and off all kinds of different meds - my score varies, but

still always high. I have heard that oral steroids can mask IgE

levels but I don't know if that's true.

Let us know how your IgE test turns out and what you and your doc

decide to do about Xolair.

Addy

[Guest guest]

Are you not supposed to be on any antihistamine drugs when you have

your IgE done?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/23/2004 5:27:46 PM Pacific Standard Time,

coachmac@... writes:

> I've always been told not to take antihistamines 48 hours before any

> type of allergy testing.

>

> Addy

>

I think to play it safe I will also stop 2 days prior to my next blood tests.

[Guest guest]

I've always been told not to take antihistamines 48 hours before any

type of allergy testing.

Addy

> Are you not supposed to be on any antihistamine drugs when you

have

> your IgE done?

>

>

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 9/23/2004 5:27:46 PM Pacific Standard Time,

> coachmac@w... writes:

>

>

> > I've always been told not to take antihistamines 48 hours before

any

> > type of allergy testing.

> >

> > Addy

> >

>

> I think to play it safe I will also stop 2 days prior to my next

blood tests.

>

>

>

If it were me, I would call and ask my doctor. Some days, I can't be

off the antihistimines.

Doug