Angioplasty.Org
Most Popular Angioplasty Web Site
   



Allergic Reactions After Drug Eluting Stent (DES) Hypersensitivity (2009 archive)

Email Bookmark and Share

Post to this topic if you are concerned that you may be experiencing an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) after a drug-eluting stent (DES) procedure.

Other postings can be found here: Current, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.

Add Your Comment           See More Topics

Patients Are Reading...
a stent Top Forum Chat: How Long Will a Stent Last?
Transradial Wrist Approach to Angioplasty Patient Guide: FAQ on Wrist Angioplasty
Activated Patient The Activated Patient Blog:
Our Blog for Patients
candy hearts Twitter: Follow us on Twitter @cardiopatient
Bike Race Patient Empowerment: Take Charge with Action Resources
Doctor and patient PatientCenter: Read and Learn about Heart Health

CT scan of heart
Like your local educational TV or radio station, our Forum relies on help from visitors like you. The grant funding we receive does not fully cover our costs; please consider making a recurring monthly contribution or a one-time donation.
Donate Now!

More from the Forum:
• Browse through existing topics on the Patient Forum
• Create a New Topic on the Patient Forum


Click here for more information about the following ads

Archived Postings from 2009 (43):

• metal allergy -- www.MELISA.org
Chad, Washington State, USA, December 28, 2009

• My dad had 3 Promus stents put in October 09. 2.5 weeks ago he developed a rash that started on his calves but has now covered his entire body -- looking like shingles -- itches and burns -- has gone to his PCP who was suppose to talk to his cardiologist but no word back from either so I had him go to a dermatologist who took a biopsy. If any one has experienced a similar experience please let me know or if you know what it could be b/c we are getting nowhere and my dad is extremely uncomfortable.
Debi B., Fairfield, Connecticut, USA, December 27, 2009

• To: Steve C., San Diego, CA Your allergic reaction sounds most like my husband's, especially the part about gaining relief only from 40mg steroid dose or above. Wondering if you found a specific cause for the rash and hopefully a solution.
Mrs. Davis, Quinlan, Texas, USA, December 14, 2009

• Diana -- first of all, we're happy that you got to a hospital during your heart attack -- the procedure prevented serious heart damage which would affect the rest of your life. As for the itching, this may well be the stent -- but it may also be the Plavix or another drug. Hope you find out the source. Keep us informed. We have, by the way, cross posted your story on our topic about "Metal Allergies".
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 14, 2009

• I had a heart attack on 11/23/09 and had an emergency stent placed in artery with 100% blockage. After I got home, I read the stent had Nickel and was immediately concerned. However, I never had any adverse reactions while waiting for a 2nd stent to be placed 3 weeks later, for an artery blocked at around 75%. After it was complete and I came home, I began itching within several days. I called my Dr. and he seemed baffled. I mentioned I have a Nickel allergy, but he was sure that wasn't it and told me to take Benadryl (It was a weekend and he was on call). The Benadryl helped, but as of this writing, and finding so much information here, I am convinced that Nickel is the problem and plan on contacting him on Monday to discuss. This site was a Godsend for me, and made me realize I'm not crazy. Now to convince my Dr. and find a long term solution. Will keep you posted of outcome. Thanks for this site and all of your input!
Diana D, Columbus, Ohio, USA, December 13, 2009

• i have 4 cobalt chromium stints in my rca artery, put in 2007. i had no problem with these stents. in 2008 a doctor was able to get one stent in my lfc artery. three other doctors said it was blocked 100% and that it was so hard they could not get a stent in it. the hospital that i got the one in my lcr artery used the taxus express 2tm eluting (medicated polymer coated). i was kept over night and the next day i started itching and have been breaking out with hives for almost 1 1/2 years. I'm working with two doctors trying to confirm that it is the taxus stent. I also from time to time have a burning sensation in my chest. as some as there findings are confirmed i will post the findings on this site.
Charles M., Ottawa, Illinois, USA, December 3, 2009

• Arlene -- probably not a drug-eluting stent (those are used primarily for the coronary arteries). Have you been to an allergist or immunologist??
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 28, 2009

• In December 2007, I had a stent inserted after an arterial embolisation procedure for fibroids, and ever since then, I’ve suffered constant itching, all over. On some days the itching is mild and on others, I am driven half berserk. The stent was inserted into an artery in my right groin, it being the entry point for the scope during the embolisation. Every night, the the skin around this spot feels as though there are worms crawling around just under the skin – it itches like mad. Every now and again, I experience piercing pain in the artery. I don’t know whether or not the stent was drug-eluting or even what material the stent is made from. Antihistamines seem to help, as does a hefty dose of vitamin B complex, but it the relief from both only lasts for a few hours. Your advice would be much appreciated.
Arlene, United Kingdom, November 27, 2009

• I need to find Steve C., San Diego, California, who last posted on March 18, 2009. I need to talk to you about your procedure and your rash. Please be very detailed about the following: When did you have your stent placed? At what hospital was the stent placed? What was the name of the company that made the stent/the model/the type of elutant/the serial number? What was your post stent protocol? (ex. ASA 81/Clopidogrel 75 x 6mo) Describe the itch: Where does it start? Are there any visual marks on your skin? Where does it spread to? How often do you get it? Does it remit? What is the itch like? Can you sleep with it? What medications have you taken to try and make it better? What medications/activities make it worse? What have the biopsies shown specifically: T-cells/Plasma cells? What were you allergic to before the stent? Have you had a bone marrow biopsy, if so what did it show? please find a way to get in touch with me. if someone knows Steve C. please get him back to this message board. Thank you.
Max S., Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, November 13, 2009

• I had two of the medicated heart stents on Aug 10, 2009. In October, i have started experiencing dry tongue, splitting of the tongue and dry cracked lips. Testing for dry mouth syndrome has been ruled out. Is there anyone that has had the same reaction.
B Everett, Mississippi, USA, November 13, 2009

• Joanne and Barbara -- we're surprised to hear of suspected hypersensitivity reactions with the Endeavor stent. One of its advantages is that the polymer is more biocompatible than the early first generation polymers of the CYPHER and TAXUS stents. However, please keep us informed. We might mention also that sudden angina isn't a typical hypersensitivity reaction. After only a few weeks it might be a sign of restenosis -- this can be caused by any number of things -- it is specifically what the drug on the drug-eluting stent is supposed to prevent, but sometimes incorrect stent placement or incomplete stent expansion can also be a factor. We assume in both your cases that your patients are taking Plavix and aspirin.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 28, 2009

• Today, my husband had a MEG test - magnetic imaging of brain. Researcher at V.A. explained brain activity was exaggerated and most likely coming from heart signals to brain. Husband has been having more or less "intractable angina" beginning several weeks after Medtronic's Endeavor Drug-Eluting Stent. I believe he is hypersensitive to the polymer coating on the stent after review of literature. Any others with same problem? He has no sign of rash, itching, etc. I had hoped anti-histamines such as Benadryl at night (1/2) and Claritin (non-drowsy) during day would help but he starts having delusional symptoms and I have had to discontinue. He was prev dx'd w/Alz but improved after I moved his elec clock radio off nightstand, stopped statin and started him on melatonin. Not have Alz but there is no diagnosis. I say "Reactive Dementia." He does quite well on melatonin so hugely tragic re constant problems after the DES. He knows he may not live long now.... Take care - Joanne website: www.guineapigsrus.org (re moving elec appliance)
Joanne C. Mueller, Guinea Pigs "R" Us , Minneapolis, Minnesota USA, October 27, 2009

• Barbara -- were the sirolimus stents placed inside the Endeavors? It's not clear from your posting if the original Endeavor stents closed up, or if these were two new blockages.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, September 28, 2009

• I'm 49 had two Endeavor Zotarolimus-Eluting coronary Stents placed in the LAD in April of 2009 within a week started have sharp pains and burning sensation in the left breast along with sharp pain down the left arm and up in to the neck on the left side, along with nausea and periodically shortness of breath, this continued until August 2009 when two more stents Cordis Sirolimus-eluting were placed in the distal and M/D LAD due to restenosis, now on top of the other symptoms I've started having arrhythmias V-tach twice and PVCs almost daily. The pain in the breast I'm told is a muscle spasm of the artery and has been seen while they performed a heart cath. none of this started until after the placement of the first two stents could it be a reaction to the stents.
Barbara R., Columbia, South Carolina, USA, September 27, 2009

• Hello I am a fit, happy (triple bypass survivor) now 8 months later I have had the same jaw pain and discomfort in the epigastrium nb. NO pain or discomfort and at rest GOING FOR ANGIOGRAM on the 31st Aug. again (STENTS MAYBE?) my previous history includes taking myself to hospital and told I HAVE A PANIC ATTACK! ECG at 5 different cardiologists over a period of 3 years was "normal"? But a clever DR performed an angiogram on recommendation of Dr Marius Barnard *yes, THE MARIUS BARNARD, who happens to live nearby. (I had 7 very bad blockages in 3 diff arteries of 78% & 98% i was stunned but saved I am scared. Come and c the whales.
Tertia B., Hermanus, South Africa, August 28, 2009

• Aug '95 Heart attack, bare metal stent placed in RCA. No problems. Aug 07 chest pains, stent implant (Cypher Drug Eluting) 2nd stent implanted 1 week later. Have been diagnosed with Granuloma Facial, a type of Small Vessel Vasculation. Will have blood work and urinalysis ran to determine if there is any ANCA in my system. Constantly tired, itch ,rash recurring. Was not involved in decision to use Drug -Eluting Stents. I feel like I have been betrayed by my Cardiologist. I think that those of us that have had sensitivity responses to these stents will be told in the end that no one is responsible and that we will just have to live with it. Hopefully something can be done to preclude patients from being exposed to more maladies. Small Vessel Vasculation can involve one or a number of organs and the outcome is not good. Do Your research
G. Parker, Pine Mountain, Georgia, USA, August 27, 2009

• To Jo Lambert: I had a stent put in over two years ago. After one year and four months, I began to have unexplained allergic reactions, including severe itching and swelling and even anaphylaxis, about once every six weeks, which has now reduced to about once every four months. I have been tested by an allergist, and absolutely nothing has been found. Please let me know what your husband finds out. Thanks.
John Haley, Tega Cay, South Carolina, USA, August 19, 2009

• I had a stent placed in my LAD artery for a 90% or better blockage in August 2004. Not too long after that I started having what I thought was a terrible "crick" in my neck. The pain just kept getting worse, and after going thru a cervical disectomy and fusion to stop the pain, the pain got much worse. I was finally dx with Cervical Dystonia which is a neurological condition caused by some type of problem or blockage in the basil ganglia of the brain. I never had any type of neck problem until this and i just wonder if the stent had something to do with the misfiring of the basil ganglia in my brain? It is a long shot ... but who knows?? I am also allergic to nickel. I am just searching for answers.
Regina Van Etten, Elko, Georgia, USA, August 18, 2009

• My husband had these stint [stent] put in 1 1/2 years ago he has started having allergic reaction for no reason, I am wondering if this could be the stints [stents], Sat morning I thought he was gone from a reaction to what we don't know he has to go to doc tomorrow to find out what is going on.
Jo Lambert, Ashland City, Tennessee, USA, August 16, 2009

• I had a Cobalt Chromium bare metal stent put in Jan.'09 to open a 98% LAD blockage. I just had another stent placed inside this stent, only this time it is a Taxus drug eluting stent. I bounced back right away with the first stent, this one I have a burning sensation in my chest. Anyone else having this burning?
Shannon, Valencia, California, USA, August 6, 2009

• Beverly -- don't know of any literature showing hypertension caused by stents -- in fact, a stent should lower bp if anything. Have you brought this to your cardiologist's attention? What does he/she say?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 26, 2009

• I had a Taxus drug eluting stent put in almost 2 years ago. Recently I have several high blood pressure episodes, as high as 235/116. I am 76, small build, weight 135, 138 cholesterol, mostly the good kind. I get regular exercise and my doctor says I am in very good health for my age. Has anyone heard of stents causing this kind of problem?
Beverly M., Georgia, USA, July 26, 2009

• I have a coated stent implant for 4 years..During the last 4 years have suffered with burning sensation and itching, I have to take Zirtec every 3 days and could not survive without Zirtec. Didn't get any allergy test carried out. On reading comments on this site, I will have to get allergy test carried out.
Jimmy M., Dublin Ireland, July 7, 2009

• I had a medicated drug eluting cordis johnson & johnson 2 stents. the very next day i had a cardiac arrest right in the hospital on a breathing for a couple of days.
Mikey, July 6, 2009

• Mike -- do you have any metal allergies? And which stent (brand) precisely was implanted?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, July 5, 2009

• I am a 59 year old man who received a titanium stent last month after having 99.9 blockage of main artery to heart. i am now suffering extreme pain in my wrists, hands, and right shoulder. the pain is so severe that i had to be given Demerol injection and steroid meds. my sed test came back pretty high and i am waiting for lab work that was done to show if i have lupus or rheumatoid condition. i feel that it is a reaction and am fearful what will happen if they do not get it right. please--need feedback. thanks.
Mike D., Hermitage, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30, 2009

• MO -- good for you. Yes, all the instructions for implanting stents contain warnings NOT to implant a stent in a patient with known hypersensitivities (allergies) to any of its components, and nickel/stainless steel is specifically mentioned. Unfortunately many, if not most, patients are not queried about metal allergies prior to implantation -- we have actually opened up a topic specifically on metal allergies. We are cross-posting your message there as well.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, June 15, 2009

• THANK GOD, I did a lot of research, i need to have angioplasty and stents but when i found out they contain metal / nickel which i am highly allergic to, the Dr said it was a no go. Had I had the stents put in, I would have suffered extremely bad to them. I think this is the case with many of you that have problems with the stents, NO MATTER WHAT KIND, because they all contain NICKEL!
MO, New York, USA, June 11, 2009

• Hmmmm...weight loss, rashes, metallic taste sounds like what have going on-- short story long, Xience drug eluting stent placed into circumflex last Oct '08 90% blockage thank you doc. End up in ER a month later with hypotension am told I have anemia, so they adjust the Bp meds (lopressor, lisinopril) problems all winter also on Plavix and aspirin the usual post stent drill from what I understand around mid Feb am dizzy all the time itching rash gets worse end up in ER again, cardiologist figures it's the Plavix sends me to allergy doc who thinks it's the Lisinopril. 4 months later still feel lousy and am med sensitive to stuff I have taken for years rashes on neck, tongue burning and swelling feel like crap.ANA comes back positive along with dna Lupus? rheumatologist repeats blood work says no! I'm beginning to think it's the stent any input would be greatly appreciated.
J.S., Detroit, Michigan, USA, May 21, 2009

• Carol -- these are hard questions to answer -- but you might want to contact the cardiology group in Texas (see stentstudy in right hand column) with your story.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, May 21, 2009

• My husband had a Boston Scientific Liberte stent put in last September 2008. He was already on coumadin and then put on Plavix, and aspirin after the stent. One week later he was admitted to the hospital for an internal bleed and a blood count of 8. They found two bleeds in his stomach and ended up having two endoscopies. Once he came home he started losing weight, no one had an answer as to why he lost about 38 lbs. He has been through endoscopies, colonoscopy, scans with and without dyes and chest x-rays. Has seen an oncologist and has had numerous blood tests, all negative. We have exhausted all possibilities and finally started thinking that all this started with the installation of the stent. I did a web search and found this website. It would seem that we are not the only ones that have experienced weight loss or side effects. The only other side effect that we could pin to the installation of this stent was nausea but he never had the metallic taste. Please let us know if there is anyone else with this problem. And if so have you started regaining any of the weight back?
Carol S., Winthrop, Maine, May 21, 2009

• Note to Peter V -- I also experienced an allergic reaction to Plavix and resolved it with a one day desensitization program at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California No problems in the two years since then. This might be an option for you so you might want to contact the Clinic and see if there is a facility near you that could administer this program. Good luck.
Roger L., Los Angeles, California, USA, May 1, 2009

• My mother had two stents put in , in December 2008. Since then she has been miserable. She has had increased blood pressure. 200's over 100's. She had dental work done not long after that a now has a burning throughout her entire body including her mouth. Her bp is still very high but for some reason it bottomed out the other night. dropping from 198/100 to 80/42. What the hell is going on with my poor mom. She is getting very depressed and can't take all the doctors visits and no answers.. Somebody please help my mom..Her only daughter Tracey.
Tracey, Howell, New Jersey, USA, April 27, 2009

• hi I'm back. I just wanted to tell you that I still have my rash it comes and goes and hard not to scratch . The only time I can if my wife is not looking hehehe I will be 71 in june and I just wanted to tell you. I walk on the tread mill every morning for half hour speed 3.4 on mark up I'll want to be ready when I see my doc here and he says stress test its there favorite thing to do. Maybe if they would do that themselves sometime they would have more of a idea what it is like heheh. Anyway its been since February since I had my three stents put in and all I can say is give your self a little time .I just cut my lawn fist the front and I used a push mower can remember as far back as ten years that I used to get a pain and would have to stop for a while .This time I felt nothing I was walking cutting with a big smile on my face. I came in and drove my wife to work and thought why not do the back also and I have a big back yard i usually use my tractor for it but i was so delighted I couldn't stop and cut the whole thing my yard is 100x 200 I did it and in proud of it i feel like a 20 year old again.So if you feel a little discomfort at first its normal . I just wanted to share this with you all. I say thank God the Doc in Florida did a angiogram and found my blockage 3 x 75%. I feel great and you will to see you till next time, don't look at my typo's I'm not a good typer hehehe but I can cut grass hehehe.
Peter V., Ontario Canada, April 25, 2009

• I'm extreemly happy with the quick response I got about the cypher stents I'm on. As my rash is getting worse and you explained to me several options.The problem here is when you read all the problems there are with the stents, it's all doom and gloom including myself. I thought ok is the the end of the road for me. But when you think of it only the people that are having a problem are writing. And all the success stories you wont hear. I am going to write in here even after I get everything in order as it can help a lot of people. They need to hear the good things as much if not more then the bad. I'm 70 years young just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary have 5 wonderful kids and more grandkids then I can count including great grandkids So let's look at the positive side as well. I know if I didn't have the stents installed I was a walking heart attack. I do think that the doctors should talk to their patients and explain what each stent does for them. Me I was totally dumbfounded I didn't know one stent from the other. Had I had the time beforehand to research that I for sure would have but, things don't always work that way. I had no idea I had three arteries blocked. Anyway my bp is normal and my heart rate is good just that darn rash. and I hope all will work out for all of you. Feel free to post here to discuss our problems we face see you later and God Bless.
Peter V., retired??? mmmmmm not really so far i don't have the RE part and I'm just Tired:), Whiby, Ontario Canada, April 12, 2009

• Peter -- patients with drug-eluting stents, like the CYPHER, are recommended to take a minimum of 6 months of dual anti-platelet therapy: aspirin plus clopidogrel (Plavix) or Ticlid (ticlopidine). Many cardiologists extend this to 12 months or longer, to lower the risk of late stent thrombosis, or blood-clotting inside the stent while the artery wall "heals" over the stent itself. Check out our related topic on Plavix and aspirin: dosage and allergic reactions for some stories from other patients, a number of whom report rashes as well. An allergic reaction may be the results of a number of things, one that you mentioned -- the contrast dye -- is not uncommon, and can be a delayed reaction. Others are to medications, several of which are often initiated after a diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The incidence of allergies to the stents themselves are very rare, although if other causes are ruled out, this may be the case. A larger number of patients report a hypersensitive (allergic) reaction to Plavix, specifically causing a rash. The challenge is to pin down the cause. If it is thought that Plavix is the issue, there have been a number of studies done on how to desensitize a patient to the drug. One recent study suggests a short course of antihistamines and steroids may solve this. It was presented at the American Heart Association meeting in October and is titled Successful Treatment of Clopidogrel Hypersensitivity Without Drug Interruption. Most importantly, do not stop taking either aspirin or clopidogrel without consulting your cardiologist and work with him/her to solve this problem. We're glad, however, that outside of the rash, you feel great!
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, April 12, 2009

• I am a healthy 70 year old and I live in canada. I was on vacation in Florida in February and went to the hospital with a pain in my chest, after a angiogram they found 3 blocked arteries 75% so they installed 3 Stents the name of them is Cypher Sirolimus eluting. I feel great but I have this rash all over my body. mostly on the chest area. First I though that it was the dye they used/I had two stress test in canada , before I left and they showed normal. then the angiogram also with dye and putting in the stents dye again. and a week after that they did a nuclear stress test also with dye. So they put me on plavix and a 81 mg aspirin along with the sotanol I was on with the 4 mg warfarin and a pravastatin. The sotanol is just a prevention of AF I get now and then. also the warfarin.what I like to know is will this rash get better as time goes on? I'm at a total loss here. My Cardio doctor in Canada don't seem to sympathetic and just told me to drop the aspirin to see if that will help. Any advise would be really appreciated thank you.
Peter V., retired not really so far i don't have the RE part and I'm just Tired:), Whitby, Ontario, Canada, April 11, 2009

• My father aged 67 received Angioplasty treatment with 1 drug eluting stent and 1 simple stent on 1st March 2009. He had suffered severe pain in hand for about 10 days, which has subsided now. From 10th March he is having constant hiccups The Doctor prescribed Liofen (Baclofen), which gives him temporary relief. He also takes Dygene to eliminate Acidity if any. Still the problem is not solved permanently. What could be the probable reason and solution?
Rupesh S., Gujarat, India, March 21, 2009

• Steve et al -- see the notice in the right column about a research project being done regarding allergic reactions to drug-eluting stents. The research team believes the reaction is to the polymer coating on the stents, namely the first generation DES. They have some pretty significant data to suggest an inflammatory response, which may account for some of the reactions reported in this topic. Other reactions are often due to the various medications that are prescribed for heart patients, medications that are often only started once a diagnosis of coronary artery disease has been made -- as such they are not related to the stent at all. A third possibility exists, and we've started a separate topic on this -- metal allergy. Virtually all stents, bare metal and drug-eluting, are made with alloys that contain nickel. A percentage of patients, more predominately women, have nickel allergies (you'd probably know that from jewelry, etc.). Whether or not a nickel allergy can cause adverse reactions from stents has not been proven, but the FDA requires language in all stent packaging to warn against implanting these devices in patients with known hypersensitivities to any of the components, specifically nickel or stainless steel. We encourage patients to read and post to this new topic, especially if you have a known metal allergy.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, March 21, 2009

• Two years ago I had DES placed in my heart. I have had itching on my forearms ever since that have gone from mild to wild. Prednisone seems to help but only if dosed greater than 40mg per day. I have tried every cream, ointment, salve available to no avail. I have seen a dermatologist who biopsied several areas and said they showed some deep cell irritation like a reaction to medicine. I stopped taking all my medications and the itching continued. I have seen an allergist who started testing but stopped when I had a reaction to one of the elements of the test and a recurrence of the itching. He prescribed 10mg to 20mg of Prednisone to help control the reaction. Like I stated earlier, I only get relief from larger dosing. I am open to any and all suggestions. Please help.
Steve C., San Diego, California, USA, March 18, 2009

• I had a taxus stent implanted 3 years ago. for almost 2 years I have been suffering from hives, swelling, burning sensation on my skin diagnosed as Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria. I am being treated with allergy meds and steroids and creams. the hives come and go and move all over the body. I believe I am having an allergic reaction to the coated stent. I have been to two allergists, a dermatologist and my cardiologist. all do not know the cause. my question is has anyone suffered from skin hives, (urticaria) as a result of a drug coated stent that was implanted?? what is the best recommendation to prevent flare ups that has worked for others? any info would be greatly appreciated! thanks.
Sadie, Miami Beach, Florida, USA, March 14, 2009

• I had two des implanted in May 05, and was only asked about sensitivity/allergy to drugs, but I have hayfever, and a nickel allergy. 1 week after implantation I had severe chest pain and had continued angina pain. I have never been completely pain-free. Please note, I have been taking Plavix for probably 2 1/2 years out of the almost 4 yrs since implant. In Sept 07,I had worse Angina pain ever, but was on holiday in Egypt at time and so chewed 300 mg aspirin, took gtn spray several times and also painkillers, until pain subsided. Following day came out in hives, all over body, neck, arms, legs. Bought over counter antihistamine tabs and cream and eventually rash subsided after 5-6 days (whilst continually taking antihistamines). As soon as I stopped taking them itching started. Back from holiday, I saw my local doctor who sent of blood samples, which were ok, but itching continued. Had referral to dermatologist, who prescribed Zirtec 10 mg (April 08), and have been taking these daily since then. No allergy testing was done, and I did not make the connection between the worsening angina and rash/itching at that time. Also in November 07 whilst standing in kitchen had syncopal episode. No warning whatsoever. I have never had one before. During 2008, my angina worsened and exercise tolerance continued to decrease. In October 08, my Cardiologist stopped the Plavix and changed Amlodipine 10 mg to Felodipine 2.5 mg(because of terrible feet/leg swelling). Since November 08, my breathing has become increasingly laboured, severe exacerbations of breathlessness, later found to be caused by Felodipine, which has now been stopped. Initially there was some improvement to dyspnea,but this has deteriorated, and continues to do so limiting all aspects of life to extreme. In January 08 I had a selective angiogram which showed minor in-stent restenosis of 20-30%, ostial stenosis of around 90% in the first small septal branch, and a 20% plaque in the mid LAD beyond the stent implant, (which had not been there at time of angioplasty}. No further angiogram since.

MY QUESTIONS ARE:

  1. WOULD ANY INFLAMMATION SHOW UP IN AN ANGIOGRAM?
  2. WOULD THE ZIRTEC ALTER BLOOD TESTS, WITH REGARD TO C REACTIVE PROTEIN, PARTICULARLY AS I AM ON A STEROID INHALER AND HAVE HAD TWO COURSES OF STEROIDS, PRIOR TO THE BLOODS TAKEN.?
  3. WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF I STOPPED TAKING THE ZIRTEC? (I DID MISS A DAY ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND HAD TERRIBLE ITCHING AND RED SPOTS AND WEALS.)
  4. COULD I BE HYPERSENSITIVE TO THE STENTS?

I am waiting to see Dermatologist/Allergist and wonder how long the Zirtec remains in a person's system. Thanks for any info/opinion you can provide.
Barbara, Great Britain, February 9, 2009

• Beginning Jan '05 I have had 4 interventions each one requiring 2 stents for a total of 8. I am 62 and just had my last procedure. The first went fine, then in Aug '05 I had 2 more stents and for months I felt like hell. Weak, extreme fatigue. The 3rd went fine March '08 I was OK then Jan '09 the 4th. Again extreme fatigue. I'm ok if sitting but moving around I just want to lie down. I cannot do 1/3 of what I could before this last. I have always been sensitive to any statin or ace. They put me on lisinopril I quit a week ago to see. No change. I have been on plavix, metoprolol, aspirin for years. I am finally leaning towards getting a by-pass. I can't stand this fatigue.
Tom L., South Carolina, USA, January 18, 2009

add your response
Please keep your posting concise. For readability we limit responses to 1,200 characters. Also note that The Forum is not an "ask-a-doctor" service; we do not dispense medical
advice about a patient's specific situation. Read our disclaimer and note that no information
on this Forum should be viewed as a substitute for medical advice or as a consultation
with a medical doctor
: characters left

Forum name -- how do you want to be identified on your post (Required) your email address (Required):
email address must be current and valid; if email sent to the address
below is returned, your comments will not be posted; your email address
will not be displayed on the Forum unless you specifically request it: please enter your email address again (for verification)
geographic location (city, state, province and/or country -- Required):
REQUIRED -- Check the box below to let us know you are a "real human being" and not a spambot. You must check this box for your posting to be submitted: I am a real person and not a spambot The following information is optional. your name:

your organization:
Check the box below if you wish Angioplasty.Org to "anonymize" your posting (for example, John Doe, Baltimore, Maryland, USA would become John D., Maryland, USA): please anonymize me To submit your post, please click the button below once and wait for a confirmation.
Clicking more than once will result in multiple submissions.