Neupogen & Claritin

MelanieBC

I have read several threads and they all have mention of taking Claritin with Neulasta to help with bone pain. Would this work for pain from Neupogen as well? I am thinking it probably would as they are the same medication but in different doses, but we are in Canada and have never heard of the "Claritin/Neulasta" thing.

Any advice?

Thanks!

SpecialK

I don't think there is any reason to think it couldn't work, but even taking Claritin with Neulasta doesn't work for everyone.  As long as your oncologist has no problem with your mom taking it - it sure couldn't hurt to try though.  The theory behind what the Claritin (or generic loratadine 10mg) does is that as the marrow expands to produce new white cells there is some edema that forms and causes the bone pain.  Generally speaking, the larger the bone the more potential for increased bone pain in those locations because they have the most marrow, so pelvis, shoulders, hips and long bones in the legs can hurt more, but some get pain in unusual spots - like the jaw.  The antihistamine action in the Claritin helps calm the edemic response so reduces the pain.  Possibly Neupogen would have a slower build up and less pain since the injections are daily instead of once every 14 days - but as long as it can hurt to take the Claritin and might help, I would do it.  Be sure to dose starting prior to the first injection, then every 24 hours for as long as she needs it - I would take it every day of Neupogen and then for a few days afterward.  I used Claritin (I liked the Redi-tabs that dissolve on the tongue) and never needed anything more than a warm bath and occasional Tylenol, so I feel that it worked for me.  I took it late on my third infusion Neulasta and had more pain, so just be sure to start it prior - even the day before.  Here is some study info:

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01311336

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01712009?term=NOLAN&rank=1