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Dilantin causing inflamation?

Posted , 5 users are following.

MR._BELLA
MR._BELLA

Has anyone experienced inflamation from taking dilantin. I awoke one morning with terrible joint and muscle pain, my doctor (Rhuematologist) said I may be having a reaction to Dilantin. All my symptoms are pointing straight toward PMR, but my inflamation is not going down. My C Reactive Protien is not going down. Rhue Dr is calling my GP and having him change my dilantin to something else. I am a 71 year old male and have been on dilantin for 50 years.

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH MR._BELLA

    Posted

    "but my inflamation is not going down. My C Reactive Protien is not going down" - if it is PMR they won't go down on their own, are you taking any medication for it? If you are on pred what dose are you on?

    If you have been on dilantin for 50 years I find it difficult to believe this is a reaction to the drug. It is possible though.  Judging by the side effects info online it sounds as if it can very occasionally trigger autoimmune disorders, particularly a lupus-like hypersensitvity syndrome and I wonder if that is what the rheumatologist suspects rather than PMR. That could cause the joint and muscle pain - but it would be likely you would also develop a butterly shaped rash across your nose and cheeks.

    Why is the rheumy so adamant it isn't PMR?

    • MR._BELLA
      MR._BELLA EileenH

      Posted

      I started on 20mg for 2 months then went to 30. Have been on 30 for a month.
  • MR._BELLA
    MR._BELLA

    Posted

    He thinks the lab results should be better is the only reason I know of why he is reluctant to say it is PMR. Just received a call from him and he is ordering IMAGING of my neck and chest. I will report back.
  • Michdonn
    Michdonn MR._BELLA

    Posted

    Sorry to hear of your bumpy journey, hope you find find answer soon.
    • MR._BELLA
      MR._BELLA Michdonn

      Posted

      Thank you, I just have to keep my head up, trust in God and pray the doctors make the right decisions.
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