Rash on letrozole

Judy_M

good morning everyone. I've developed a rash on my body on day 4 of starting Letrozole. Anyone else had this side effect? I rang my oncologist last night who recommend antihistamine to get me through the night and to see my GP this morning.  

socoda

Hi @Judy_M, I haven't personally had any experience with this but have read the antihistamine claratin can be effective. Obviously check with Dr but hoping you get some relief soon. Xx Cath

Judy_M

Well no more Letrozole for me. The rash is a massive drug reaction. It was visibly climbing my neck as I spoke with the doctor!  Have to take cortisone and claratyne till it clears, then starting arimidex. Just as well I didn't get onto the Palbociclib clinical trials, as they all pair Palbociclib with Letrozole. So frustrating to have yet another delay, but we all experience this sort of thing. 

socoda

Hoping it's under control quickly for you, and crossing fingers no reaction to the arimidex. Xx 

GorgyS

hi. I also developed rash and itchy skin. My oncologist told me to keep it moisturized and take some antihistamines. I can still tolerate it but not sure how it is going to progress.  

cranky_granny

@GordyS thats exactly what my Oncologist had me do. It’s still working, Im on Palociclob Armidex combo. (Over 3 years). Other than needing a break off Palbo due to low neutrophils I put up with the side effects because it’s working. 

Also take magnesium. Calcium with D. And panadol oesto. Just to ease the side effects. 

I only have to use the antihistamine around week 3 of the palbo 
I don’t use soap anymore just dermavine or dove sensitive body wash. 

I usually do what I’m told just to keep this rotten thing from progressing any further 

MargaretTurner

Itchiness is one the rotating side effects I experience on Letrozole/Kisqali - antihistamines I use occasionally when I have a flair up and cease using soap which helps

GorgyS

Thank you so much for your reply! I was wondering if it's safe to swim in pools with ocean water during a flare-up. I recently started taking Abemaciclib, which could further weaken my immune system and increase the risk of infections. I plan to consult my oncologist in three weeks, but I'd be interested to hear if you have any experience with this.

joyalick6

I have been on letrozole and Verzenio (abermaciclib) since May 2021 and I’ve had various side effects. This year I have had itchy skin on and off. On the nights where it prevents me from sleeping I take a phenergan which stops the itch and at the same time helps me sleep. My treatment has been successful thus far with my bone lesions having shrunk or stabilised and my cancer markers have gone from 313 before treatment down to 75 so I’m not prepared to stop treatment. I also take Panadol osteo on the days when bone aches tend to slow my movement. Good luck to everyone, I hope your treatment gives you many years to enjoy life to its fullest. 

GorgyS

thank you @joyalick6 for sharing your experience. I found putting ice block on the itchy area for a few minutes reliving, plus I take antihistamines as well. It is like on and off. I am glad to hear that the treatment work for you and your markers went down.