You are here

Skin Rash

Hi Everyone

I look at this site regularily, but have not actually posted on here before.  I was diagnosed with CML in July 2009 and have been on Glivec since then. The side effects were not good to start with, from tummy upsets and fluid retention.Now I only have a little fluid retention.  My response has been excellent and my PCR for the last nine months has been 0.000. Suddenly about 6 weeks ago I got a rash on my arms, that was terribly itchy.  I was given creams from the doctor but this has not helped.  Now the rash which is very bad and terribly itchy and sore, has gone all over my back and on to my legs. Has anybody had this side effect with the Glivec and can anybody suggest a treatment? I am surprised that it has suddenly started as I never had a rash until then. I have tried all the anti itch creams you can buy! Hope you can help

Sue

Hi Sue, I agree that this late onset of what sounds like quite a severely uncomfortable rash is puzzling... but I am sure you are not alone. Given you have already tried all the topical creams which have not helped, I can only suggest to ask your doctor if you can try stopping imatinib for a short time to see if the rash goes away- then you can be sure that this is a side effect of imatinib. As you have an optimal response to therapy i.e 0.000 puts you in CMR, a stopping test for a short time would not be a risk. If your doctor agrees you can do this test and the rash goes away then you can consider changing therapy to one of the other 2nd generation drugs...i.e nilotinib or dasatinib (but if you choose dasatinib you need to be quick- given the NICE guidance).

I hope this is helpful,

Sandy

Hi Sue

I also had a bad skin rash on Glivec although it started almost immediately and I was on steroids to keep it at bay. Soon as I stopped, it came back, although I did manage to get the dose quite low. Realising that this wasn't a long term solution I eventually switched to Dasatinib and the problem has all but disappeared. I agree with Sandy - first of all you need to come off Glivec to be sure that it's the cause. Once you find out, then you can work out a solution and possibly change drugs. There seems to be no rhyme nor reason to any of the side effects, which always puzzles me. Anyway, hope you manage to sort out your rash  before it drives you mad.

Sarah