Allergic to Cortisone

[Vicki611]

I've had reactions to Celestone and Cortisone. My reactions both times happened about 12 to 14 hours later. Creepy crawly skin started that evening.The last cortisone shot landed me in the ER with my throat closing hives, ringing in my ear, heart palpatations. ER doc and family doc suggested I get allergy tested. (The cartalidge is worn out in my knee cortisone is the Standard of Care.) Allergy Doc tested me with the scratch test for Depomedrol and lidocaine which is usually with the shot. No reactions. I don't know what to do now. Doc wants to inject me with the depomedrol but the ER told me never to get that shot again since I've alread had 2 reactions.

[edawne]

You may want to find out if the solution has a preservative in it. I always have to ask for preservative-free shots because I am allergic to Thimerasol. You can get tested for sensitivity to metals/chemicals.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, from your history is quite evident that you are allergic to Betamethasone and cortisone and are mediated by release of histamine in the body. Your body is known to hypersensitive to this drug. Allergy to any other drugs is unlikely.

Each individual are known to respond to a drug differently in drug allergy. If the drug is too much sensitized then it can cause more severe reaction. The spectrum of these reactions can vary widely; reactions may present as typical allergic symptoms (eg, itching, urticaria, rash, and edema) after a single dose, or may manifest as severe idiosyncratic dermatologic reaction, usually after multiple doses.

If drug allergy is suspected you need to discontinue the drug and report to your doctor immediately. In the future avoid further exposure to it as prevention is best. If it is a very necessary you can go for skin testing. Cross allergy is not much known with steroids. If it is reactive, you need to avoid it. I suggest you to consult a skin specialist or allergy specialist. Take care and regards.