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hives with changing brand of venlafaxine ?

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angelax
angelax

Hi everyone ,im new so bare with me smile ,has anyone experienced hives when they have canged brands of venlafaxine ? i was previously on exeffor 37.5 and since there has been a cost change i am now on teva venlafaxine ,(these are both normal realise tablets ) ,ive looked at everthing im doing ,eating using and the only thing left is this change sad all my doctor keeps saying is they are the same but im totally at my whits end trying to find a solution to these horrible hives ,My doctor did say she would put me on the 75 exeffor because exeffor have stopped doing 37.5 ,but i really dont wanna go back up to that dose as came so far to get down to the 37.5 i really dunno what to do any advice would be much appriciated thanks Angela x

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Inquisitive
    Inquisitive

    Posted

    Hi, It isn't unusual to have an adverse reaction when changing from one brand to another. It may be that you will have to let the transition take its' course and the symptoms may subside. You may have been on the "expensive first line" medication for the initial treatment and as the manufacturers license has lapsed been put onto a proprietary maker who is much cheaper. Although they are supposed to be the same formula there may be subtle differences that are causing your hives. Speak to your GP again and ask if there is alternative.

    I hope this helps, as I had a similar reaction to changes to my medication which resolved over time.

  • TsukiUsagi
    TsukiUsagi

    Posted

    Hi, I work in community pharmacy and although you shouldn't be experiencing any allergic reaction to the change from brand to generic, it is possible.

    Try asking your chemist if they can get in a generic that is made by someone else or go to another chemist that does a different brand.

    Hope that helps smile

  • Fanny_Jane
    Fanny_Jane

    Posted

    Hi angelax, it's probably a reaction to one of the filler ingredients rather than the venlafaxine itself.

    This is fairly common in all generic medications.

    Unfortunately it can take a while to find out which ingredient is causing the problem.

    Ask you pharmatist to list the ingredients of the original brand that didn't affect you, then check them against the new one that does. You will then be able to see what ingredient/s are different. My chemist was really helpful when I approached them.

    I had this happen to me with an anti-inflammatory and it turned out to be the colouring.

    I now always ask the pharmacist to check any new meds I have.

    Anti-histamines can reduce the itching and hives but you must check with your gp first that it's ok for you to take them with your medications. Calamine cream/lotion can also reduce the sting a bit.

    Hope you get it all sorted out soon.

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