Newly diagnosed and learning
I've read through some posts and realise I have lots of gaps of knowledge about what I have. I know I have breast cancer, it's about 8cm, I know its spread to my armpit lymphs and now the nodes near ...
Forum Discussion
Yes Mel, Claratyne is an antihistamine. The bone oedema is a histamine reaction which causes a swelling inside the bones, bones don't stretch which is why this is so painful. Not everybody has the same reaction, but the antihistamine, and it has to be loratadine not just any anti sniffle med, helps prevent it. It's also beneficial for anyone who gets a bit of a rash in the days following chemo.
I have no idea why this is not as commonly prescribed here as it appears to be in the UK. The dark and cynical side of me suspects that it is a $1 a day solution which is not pushed by the pharmaceutical companies so simply doesn't come on to the medicos radar. It's also not something that is going to attract research dollars. Anyway, my oncologist had heard of it and seen it used in the UK but for some reason hadn't recommended it to me. When I asked him it was all 'Oh, sure. I've heard that helps. No problem, take it.'
Anyway, it seems there are no contraindications with the chemo I'm having so me and my Claratyn tabs are besties at the moment.
I have no idea why this is not as commonly prescribed here as it appears to be in the UK. The dark and cynical side of me suspects that it is a $1 a day solution which is not pushed by the pharmaceutical companies so simply doesn't come on to the medicos radar. It's also not something that is going to attract research dollars. Anyway, my oncologist had heard of it and seen it used in the UK but for some reason hadn't recommended it to me. When I asked him it was all 'Oh, sure. I've heard that helps. No problem, take it.'
Anyway, it seems there are no contraindications with the chemo I'm having so me and my Claratyn tabs are besties at the moment.