[Karly1964]

I usually get three allergy shots every weeks for allergies to trees, weeds, mold and dust mites, I haven't gotten them since I was diagnosed, I am going to call the Rheumatologist tomorrow, just wondering if anyone else gets these shots, or knows if they have any information anywhere about the interaction between the shots and methotrexate? I have read that when your immune system is messed up you shouldn't get live virus shots, but does an allergen count as a live virus? Just curious to know if anyone has taken allergy shots?
Karly:worried:
My allergies are horrible and the shots really help me not feel so badly, I take Zyrtec and Astelin nasal spray, the shots just seem to help and I have been getting them for a few years, I hate to stop them when they are so helpful.

 

[Clare.T]

Hi

This is one of those situations where you need to consult with your rheumatologist. The general recommendation is that it is not advisable without specialist advice because they can cause flares in some people and even new antibodies.



http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutliving.aspx?a=93&z=16&page=4



Clare

 

[cath]

Hi ,

I'd like to agree with Clare that you should follow the advice of your own specialists regarding this - they know your whole story.

My allergist actually advised me NOT to have allergy shots because it would potentially make my autoimmune illness worse. I'm allergic to bees and latex and have had anaphylaxis, so in theory should be a priority "desensitisation" canditate. I take her firm recommendation against the shots as a definite warning about allergy desensitisation stimulating lupus.

Hope this helps

X C X

 

[Karly1964]

The Rheumatologist's answer

My rheumatologist said the shots were ok for me as long as they didn't contain any steroids, they don't they are specially mixed for my allergies. The main issue is that I have sleep apnea and can't sleep with my mask on with my nose all stuffed up, so far there hasn't been a problem.
Karla

 

[Lupusgal68]

I have always been told that anyone with Lupus should never receive Allergy shots.

Pam

 

[Raglet]

i would be really surprised if allergy shots caused any problems at all. They are such dilute concentrations of allergen, that you are probably exposed to much higher doses of the allergens out there in your day to day life. My dog is on allergy shots (I give them to her myself, and somehow she 'knows' what day is injection day and takes up residence under the house - hopefully you don't share that problem ?) anyway, means I have read up a bit about allergy shots.

I LOVE allergy shots - my dog is so severely atopic that she is pretty much bald without her shots, now she has a lovely coat but will be on her shots for life.

 

[Monica3]

I get allegy shots and have been on and off them since long before my Lupus diagnosis 3 yrs ago. I started them again about 1 and 1/2 yrs ago after moving to VA and asking my allergist to re-test me. I am allergic to so many things that he recommended shots, without concern about my Lupus. My rheumatologist said to give them a try to see how it goes. So far, I have been unable to climb to a normal maintenance dose because of large local reactions (I get 3 shots too), but am being held on a lower maintence dose. I don't see a connection between my Lupus symptoms and shots. However, I have not been able to get off Allegra and Singulair (I also have asthma) like I had hoped by getting the shots.

In any case, we might be moving to the UK for 2yrs and that will put an end to the shots for the time being.
So, I guess it is a question of cost-benefit analysis and how your body handles all of this. Having allergies and asthma are a concern, whether or not I have Lupus, so some treatment is obviously necessary. As long as everyone is watching you carefully and you are logging/journaling to monitor yourself, it might be worth a try.

Good luck. Let us know what your rheumatologis thinks. Allergists are immunologists too, just not Lupus specialists.

 

[doris999]

Hi,
I was tested for allergies a few years ago, the Dr who did them knew i had lupus and did say i could have them. They were going to make up the shots just for me, but i declined cos of the cost, $275.00 for a small bottle which i think he said would only last a month, as i have enviro allergies as well i would have to have them all year around and we just could not afford them.
So i just stick with the over the counter tablets.
Sandra.

 

[Katharine]

Hello ladies (doris and Monica)

This thread seems to have been brought back up due to spammers but is a VERY old thread dating back to 2007. As such your replies are not likely to be noticed.

I'm going to close the thread.

Katharine