Off Herceptin and developed ITCHY rashes

mts · 10-03-2006, 07:10 AM

I completed 1 year of Herceptin in July and I have developed large itchy patches of skin on several parts of my body. Under my armpit, around my neck, inside of elbow... Onc suggested I go to a dermatologist and he prescribed Benadryl tablets and calamine lotion. The benadryl helps at night (I can't take during day because it makes me really sleepy). I don't think that dermatologists are really "with it" when it comes to Herceptin...
Anyway, is anyone having rashes that don't seem to go away, and if so, what are you taking?
This is driving me crazy!

Maria (MTS)

juanita · 10-03-2006, 01:26 PM

I finished herceptin in June, but I started getting red, itchy spots rashes back in March. My family doc perscribed halobetasol propionate cream .05%. You mix it with lotion and use it twice a day. I took three or four days of use before the rash was gone. I got them on and off after that and would use the cream again. I haven't had them come back lately, possibly because I'm getting the herceptin out of my system.

heblaj01 · 10-03-2006, 07:42 PM

Maria, Juanita:

Did you get itching & rashes in spite of having received premeds such as Benedryl or Decadron while on Herceptin or perhaps because your onc never prescribed premeds?

mts · 10-04-2006, 06:00 AM

I was never prescribed pre-meds for Herceptin except for the first loading dose.

Maria (MTS)

MJo · 10-04-2006, 11:15 AM

I didn't get premeds for Herceptin either, but I take a benedryl tablet on my own before the infusion. For peace of mind. As for the rash -- you can buy benedryl gel at the drugstore. I use it for allergic rashes. May help or may not in this case. I get a rash after Herceptin infusion but it's minor.

juanita · 10-04-2006, 12:54 PM

I got benadryl before herceptin. And there was nothing else changed in my life at that time. I ended herceptin in June and the last of the rashes were in probably August.