Severe allergic reaction

Posted , 4 users are following.

I was prescribed omeprazole in March. After 2 weeks I developed what they thought was conjunctivitis, which did not respond to antibiotic eyedrops.

On the first sunny day in April I sat outside in the sunshine for a while. That night I started itching where my arms, legs, and neck had been exposed to the sunlight. In the morning I was a mess - huge blisters all over my arms, ankles and legs.

The doctor told me to stop taking omeprazole, and arranged a visit to a dermatologist. He said it was not omeprazole, but Polymorphic Light Eruption.

After a few days my indigestion symptoms came back and I asked the doctor if it was safe to take omeprazole. She said if the specialist said it was not the drug which caused the problems, then it should be OK. I took two doses and the whole thing started all over again, the rash spreading up my arms and legs and onto my back and chest.

I cannot describe the discomfort of the itching, the sleepless nights, and not being able to get my shoes on because of the blisters on my feet and the pain of walking. The scars are still there after all these weeks.

I am now awaiting the results of a second lot of blood tests because the white cell count has gone up excessively.

As you might expect, I am feeling very bitter about the medical preofession, drug companies and so-called experts. I would warn anyone about taking this drug. I might add that I am a very fit 72 year old lady who only happened to mention in passing to my doctor that I was suffering from indigestion!

:x

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    I sympathise wholeheartedly! Like yourself I was a very fit 72 year old lady until I began to suffer from a swallowing problem. After nearly every test going they have still not found a reason for this but, in the meantime, because of excessive acid prescribed Omeprazole. I no longer take this but am left with eye disturbances which I'm afraid will never return to normal. After taking me off Omeprazole they prescribed a further drug but before taking it I read the side effects, including uncommon and rare ones, very carefully and decided not to take it. I am now free of all drugs and am no better or worse. I am now pressurising for an official discharge from the consultant as I wish to travel again and the insurance companies are very careful about insuring anyone over 70 years.

    I had very little to do with the medical profession prior to this condition and I'm afraid will be very reluctant to return to them as they appear to be incapable of diagnosis but very capable of prescribing strong and dangerous drugs.

    Jean

    • Posted

      My experience is similar - I am 72, very fit, had a slight problem with swallowing and was prescribed esomeprazole. After taking it for a week my eyes became very red and sore. When I took a close look I could see raised areas on my corneas that I think might be a condition called pterygium. I don't know enough about cause and effect but I stopped taking the esomeprazole 4 days ago and my eyes feel much better. I shall get an opinion from my optometrist. I hope the condition of my eyes is reversible. I too am reluctant to use prescribed drugs as the side effects can be worse than the original condition.

       

  • Posted

    Glad to know I am not alone!

    Just for information - result of blood tests today shows blood count now normal. Also result of biopsy done by consultant at hospital confirms that the rash with blisters was drug-related.

    • Posted

      Hi, 

      Am super happy to hear that am not alone.  I had been prescribed a 60-day, 40mg omeprazole. After 60 days, I have blisters all over my arms, legs, and body. I don't know what to do. My doctor wants to give me more omeprazole because am still suffering from GERD but I don't wanna start it until my skin problem is solved. 

      After finding out that the rashes were indeed drug-related, what did you do? How are you now? 

      Would really appreciate your response. Thanks! 

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