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http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl General Mast Cell Disorders Discussion >> Mast Cell Triggers >> Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!! http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1347096336 Message started by TallBird on 09/07/12 at 22:25:36

Title: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by TallBird on 09/07/12 at 22:25:36

Yesterday I started with a headache that became worse as the day progressed - the only painkillers I had in the house was Ibuprofen. I made a fatal mistake taking these because I triggered my mast cells to degranulate and made everything ten times worse culminating in a one-sided headache that was horrendous, flu-like feeling with sore throat and full ears (if that makes sense!), breathing problems, central chest pain and pain on inhalation, nausea, racing heart, blood pressure up and down etc. I went to bed at teatime but could not sleep due to the headache and chest pain. Whilst I feel somewhat better today I still have a mild headache and I feel fragile as if it would not take much to make me 'crash' again. It has been very humid here recently so I don't know whether this is the cause of this headache?. One of my triggers is heat. Being new to all of this, I researched drugs that can cause degranulation and I'm now aware that Ibuprofen is an NSAID medication that can trigger degranulation. :'(

The learning curve for this illness does loop the loop at times. :D Needless to say I won't be trying that drug again - I wouldn't mind but it didn't help to alleviate the headache anyway! On a good note I am starting Ketotifen on top of my allegra next week so this may help stabilise me hopefully ... Does anyone know what painkillers are safe to use for headaches?

Have a good day!

TallBird

Title: Re: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by Starflower on 09/08/12 at 03:24:49

Since you're now avoiding NSAIDs (smart move for most people with mast cell disorders), the only safe OTC medication is Tylenol. For worse pain, I have a prescription for Ultram.

Incidentally... I've found that I can get most headaches to go away with a couple of Tylenol and a cup of coffee. Degranulation causes your blood vessels to dilate, but caffeine tightens them back up. If hot liquids are a no-no for you, try an iced coffee or maybe even a caffeine tablet.

Heather

Title: Re: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by Daffodil on 09/08/12 at 05:10:40

Hi Tallbird

I think Paracetamol which is the same as Tylenol is fine for us to take. But when you first try anything new it is best to start with a tiny amount first just to be on the safe side.

Hope that helps.

Anne

Title: Re: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by TallBird on 09/08/12 at 05:49:13

Thanks Heather & Anne for replying - unfortunately paracetamol which I can tolerate is not strong enough to manage the headaches or pain in my arms and legs so I need something stronger :P, hence why I thought I would take ibuprofen. I will have to look into Tylenol as I have not heard of this drug before.

Best wishes

TallBird

Title: Re: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by Daffodil on 09/08/12 at 05:57:17

Sometimes taking more H1 & H2 blockers helps me when I have aches and pains but you would have to make sure it is ok with your doctor.

Best wishes

Anne

Title: Re: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by TallBird on 09/08/12 at 06:11:43

Hi Daffodil, I'm already taking 4 allegra and 2 ranitidine daily and about to start Ketotifen so I don't think there is probably much more I can add.

TallBird

Title: Re: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by Daffodil on 09/08/12 at 06:31:31

Nalcrom is another med that helps us but having said that I reacted to it on the second day. Apparantly Dr. Grattan likes his patients to start on Ketotifen first and then add Nalcrom in order to tolerate it. I am hoping to start taking Ketotifen later this month and if I am ok with it will reintroduce Nalcrom. Let us know how you get on with it - I am sure you will be fine.

Best wishes
Anne

Title: Re: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by Starflower on 09/08/12 at 11:59:33

Tylenol (generic = acetominophen) is the same thing as paracetamol. Ultram (tramadol) is much stronger. It's a synthetic opioid, but one that seems to be safe for a lot of mast cell patients. In the US you can only get it with a prescription.

Heather

Title: Re: Ibuprofen - NEVER AGAIN!!
Post by Joan on 09/08/12 at 17:15:11

Some people get some relief from taking Singulair, too. It's a leukotriene inhibitor.

I find that gentle yoga stretching helps muscle and connective tissue pain. When I'm in a flare, I ask for a massage that will only relax muscles, no deep tissue work. If you're too sensitive for that, a private session with an experienced yoga teach can give you some gentle, easy stretches that might help. I've found help in physical therapy, too.