Drug Induced Lupus Anyone?
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi All,
I just had a severe shingles outbreak and was on Valtrex antiviral plus some PPI for acid reflux. I am now showing sign of possible Lupus. ANA positive and the double strand DNA test positive. Does anyone know if this could be drug induced lupus or I am in for a long ride with Systemic Lupus.
I am a healthy 46 year old male that is a runner, mountain biker and was in peak fitness and over the last 3 months, my life has fallen apart.
Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.
Rob
0 likes, 4 replies
margaret22116 rob26826
Posted
Hi Rob. So sorry for your suffering. I was diagnosed with Behcet's some time ago. Very similar to Lupus.
I well remember a bout of shingles early in the proceedings and think it happened around the time of disease onset.
The fact you had the acid reflux at all also suggests to me it was already kicking off for you. Obviously you must ask your specialist about drug induced Lupus but I feel very doubtful about that given the meds you were taking. I would say you had the Lupus and that is why you got shingles. Your immune system was compromised.
Are you in the UK? If so there is a great helpline Vasculitis UK. It is free to call. They will speak to you and discuss this with you. Great resource there. If you are in the US the Vasculitis Foundation do the same job.
lilian05079 rob26826
Posted
Hi rob26826
Your next step should be to be referred to a Rheumatologist who will give a definite diagnosis going by your symptoms and blood tests....once you have got a positive diagnosis you rheumatologist will start your treatment....there are various meds for lupus treatment the Rheumy will decide....and take it from there lupus should be under control once treatment is commenced...lupus is much better controlled than it used to be...there is a site for 'Lupus' where you can get more info from lupus patients.....best wishes.......
lynn93041 rob26826
Posted
Hi Rob, I sympathise with you regarding your new life circumstances. I took a medication called Levaquin last February and after 10 months of living a hellish nightmare, I just learned that I have lupus and RA. I was training for a marathon, biking, hiking kayaking and enjoying life a year ago..I'm 53, but lived a healthy life...now I can barely move, my pain is rediculous, and I get really sad when I look at pictures from a year ago. I know the medicine contributed to this, but none of my doctors seem concerned. The rhuematologist is helping, but I'm not interested in medication which is what they say I need. My issue with all of this Rob, is the sickness came overnigh, Four days after taking the levaquin..maybe I'm in denial, but it's Christmas today and I'm on the couch..seriously I can't move. I'm interested in a natural alternative to the horrible medications my rhiemaltologist suggested. Maybe someone on this forum has ideas. I'm too tired to figure things out which is not like me at all. Hoping to return to life..I hope that for you a well. Merry Christmas!
sherry02026 lynn93041
Posted
Lynn I know your pain I've suffered with joint pain and severe leg pain for 10 years. I have went from a healthy young woman to a bed ridden sad mess. I just went to a new Dr and they gave me a new med it's called mirapex and it's been a miracle for me. I am absolutely pain free and I feel like I did 10 years ago I'm just blown away by this. Please talk to your doc about mirapex it's a God send for me.