I am allergic to the inactive ingredient called Povodine

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djol1950
djol1950 Member Posts: 17
edited August 2015 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I have been taking Anastrozole by Apotex for 3 years without any side effects. Recently however, I have experienced an allergic reaction to this drug that only Povodine displays...... severe itching, rashes, hives, difficulty breathing. The itching is awful.

Turned to my oncologist and she recommended Aromasin or Exemestane and all of these medications have Povodine in them. She refused to put me on Tamoxifen due to clotting issues.

The only drug left is Femara. I tried it once and it caused extreme dizziness and alot of fluid retention, however there are some generics out there that do not have Povodine in the inactive ingredients.

I had planned on being on Aromatase Inhibitors for the 10 year span, now I am not sure what to do.

Any suggestions?



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  • windingshores
    windingshores Member Posts: 704
    edited August 2015

    I have a lot of reactions to medications (not side effects, reactions to ingredients). I could not do anastrazole or letrozole generic, but managed to get onto Femara by doing 1/4 pill for 4 days, 1/2 for 4 days and then I jumped to a whole pill (but could have done 3/4 for 4 days). My dizziness was much better. Since the whole pill is an abrupt hormonal change, it made sense to me to ramp up slowly and my MD agreed. Maybe this will help you. (And by the way, the Femara drug company insert mentions that 20% of the dose is relatively effective- I have read 87%, so taking it this way gives you some protection as you ramp up.)

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  • djol1950
    djol1950 Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2015

    Wow, Windingshor, thank you ((( appreciation hugs ))) It's nice to meet someone else that understands the intricacies of reactions to ingredients. I never thought that an abrupt start at a regular dose may cause reactions. I like your titration method. Best to get some protection as you slowly go up than none at all.

    I looked back on the emails to my oncologist and within one week of taking Femara I was bedridden with dizziness. Now, I do have a balance disorder and Menieres and thought the edema I was experiencing in my legs also caused edema in my inner ear. However, willing to give it another chance by going up slowly while I get used to it. I can always try now that I have your method. I can't wait to let you know how this works out :) I won't be able to pick up this drug for another two weeks when I go in to see my mental health therapist as it's an HMO and I try to combine all visits at one time. But I will let you know how I do :)

    Thank you again, soo much for helping me with this !!

    There is hope *smiles*

    Jo

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  • windingshores
    windingshores Member Posts: 704
    edited August 2015

    Hope it works! Along with the titration, I found the brand name more tolerable and my docs knew I had tried two generics (required by insurance for brand name). I believe the brand name is purer and it has fewer ingredients.

    Some days I think I actually feel better than I did before- but the first weeks were tough. It's been 3 1/2 months now. Once you get past the reactions, there are side effects ( a distinction I know you understand) that I think are from the period of change in hormone levels, but for me that all evened out after a month of so, then a month of so of joint pain, but daily walks helped that. Now I barely have joint pain. I am lucky and not all have this easing of effects. But the point I am trying to make is that if you do have a side effect, don't assume it will stay with you.

    Good luck!


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  • djol1950
    djol1950 Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2015

    Interestingly said. When I had to go to the generic of Amerge for my migraine abortives, it did not work, same with the generic of Imitrex. I got immediate relief with brand names. Brand names are more closely regulated then generics.

    I definitely will do the titration method as last time I was put on Letrozole (generic for Femara) the side effects were awful and had to go off of this drug, so fingers crossed the titration method you mentioned will work. I'll keep you posted when I start taking this drug. Correct, in that will give it at least 6 weeks and then talk to my oncologist about going on the brand name.

    Thank you Windingshore for your brainstorming

    Jo


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  • windingshores
    windingshores Member Posts: 704
    edited August 2015

    Good luck!

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  • djol1950
    djol1950 Member Posts: 17
    edited August 2015

    Thank you Windingshore I picked up Femra last week, but have to hold off now as I got a blood test back stating that the Ammonia levels are high. Waiting to hear from my primary for additional tests. Sigh...................... always a lady in waiting !! My neurologist called last night and said the high Ammonia levels would cause the body wide itching and he is worried that my cancer may have metastasized to my liver.

    Hugs,

    Jo

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