Allergic reaction

Tina Brown
Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
in Ovarian Cancer #1
On Thursday I had an allergic reaction to my Carboplatin. It began with itchiness on my hands and feet which spread to my trunk. Then I had this strange tighness in my chest and my breathing began to feel strange. I pressed the alarm button and the nurses gave me an oxygen mask. I think I panicked a bit and my breathing became laboured. My pulse went up to 116. Then I started to retch which made my breathing worse. They eventually stablished me with "who knows what" drugs. This took about 15 - 20 minutes. I then noticed I had red patchy rashes all over my arms and a "septicemia" looking rash on my legs. This cleared after about 2 hours.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? This must've been the 15th time I've had carboplatin. My doctor told me this is quite common for people to suddenly get a reaction & I'm not to worry.

Comments

  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #2
    Hi Tina
    I became allergic to carboplatin after about the same amount of doses and had the same symptoms. I was switched to cisplatin ( an older chemo drug ) and have had very good results. The doctors and nurses really get alarmed don't they.. :).
    (((HUGS))) Maria
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    SORRY TO HEAR, TINA
    I had an allergic reaction to Taxol, during my chemo for a recurrance, at the 2nd treatment. Never had problems before, but my doctor said it's not unusual to develop an allergy so suddenly. They switched me to Taxotere. So, they're right, it's not uncommon. Here's hoping you're over all those side affects by now, and they've come up with an alternative.

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • 6kats
    6kats Member Posts: 12
    #4
    mopar said:

    SORRY TO HEAR, TINA
    I had an allergic reaction to Taxol, during my chemo for a recurrance, at the 2nd treatment. Never had problems before, but my doctor said it's not unusual to develop an allergy so suddenly. They switched me to Taxotere. So, they're right, it's not uncommon. Here's hoping you're over all those side affects by now, and they've come up with an alternative.

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika

    Check in Tina
    and let us know how you are doing.
    better I hope.
    hugs
    sande
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #5
    6kats said:

    Check in Tina
    and let us know how you are doing.
    better I hope.
    hugs
    sande

    It is now a week after my
    It is now a week after my little episode with the Carbo and the allergic reaction and I am doing just fine. However I do feel a little apprehensive about the next one. Fingers crossed the nurses can give me a shot of something before they give me the chemo.

    Thanks for all your replies, Tina xx
  • Tretter
    Tretter Member Posts: 1
    #6
    carboplatin
    Yes, I did had the same reaction to Taxol and had to end up with a different drug.. it is very scarey..They gave me the carboplatin and gemzar.
  • garden gal
    garden gal Member Posts: 212 Member
    #7
    Tretter said:

    carboplatin
    Yes, I did had the same reaction to Taxol and had to end up with a different drug.. it is very scarey..They gave me the carboplatin and gemzar.

    carboplatin
    I too had a very bad reaction to carbo, went into anphalactic shock (not sure of the spelling) and it took 12 hours to come out of it. It happened on my 9th treatment. Not fun at all an can relate to what you went through.I'm now on cisplatin and have to have a number of premeds before treatment so I don't have a reaction, so far all has gone good. Kathy
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #8
    garden gal said:

    carboplatin
    I too had a very bad reaction to carbo, went into anphalactic shock (not sure of the spelling) and it took 12 hours to come out of it. It happened on my 9th treatment. Not fun at all an can relate to what you went through.I'm now on cisplatin and have to have a number of premeds before treatment so I don't have a reaction, so far all has gone good. Kathy

    Garden Gal
    My allergy wasn't as severe as yours but it is scary at the time as you are not expecting it when you have had that particular drug lots of times. I am due my next treatment in about 12 days so will let you know how it goes.

    Thanks for everyone's replies Tina xxx
  • whiterose
    whiterose Member Posts: 89
    #9
    Tina Brown said:

    Garden Gal
    My allergy wasn't as severe as yours but it is scary at the time as you are not expecting it when you have had that particular drug lots of times. I am due my next treatment in about 12 days so will let you know how it goes.

    Thanks for everyone's replies Tina xxx

    When I had an allergic reaction
    When I had an allergic reaction the first time to carbo, it wasn't as severe as yours. However, after another two tries, it got progressively worse each time. Almost went into anaphylactic shock the last time. They had to take me off the drug entirely. They even prescribed something for me to take the day before and the morning of the last treatment to prevent the reaction. You might ask about this. It was some sort of oral steroid. Also, ask about having the drip infuse more slowly, sometimes that helps. Prepare your chemo nurse by telling her that you've had an allergic reaction before, so she can have a saline bag at the ready.....
    Good luck with your next treatment.

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