You are here

Rash and itching - is it Nilotinib?

I don't like to constantly blame the drug that is fighting my CML but for the last 4 weeks I have had a horrid bumpy rash on my face that is sometimes red spots sometimes just bumps under the skin. Most days, a good 5 out of 7 in a week it burns and is really itchy. It is spreading to my neck now. I have not changed anything in my diet or any cosmetics/ washing powder etc. my son's excema cream (mild one double base) does not help. So I am seeing my consultant next week, do you think this is a side effect from Nilotinib or something else?

Other news looks like I am hopefully keeping my job but there are complications, will fill you all in when I have time, it is something that may affect anyone in employment.

Nothing is ever easy! Hope you are all doing well
Emma x

Emma, I had a similar experience with imatinib.

About a decade earlier I'd been diagnosed with guttate psoriasis, seeming triggered by a heavy URT, so took this experience as a latent health issue which imatinib may have triggered.

In both instances, I took myself off to a tanning booth for some very short 1-2 minute sessions, which led to the rash fading away after about 4 sessions. I don't recommend this because I'm not a physician. I'd tried it because my sister, a psoriasis sufferer as a child told me that it was what worked for her - under hospital supervision, where some of the more harmful effects of UV can be eliminated.

You may not be the same thing, of course.

Jeff

Hello Emma I had terrible skin rashes when first on Nilotinib, and going out in bright sunlight, even in winter made it worse on my face. Saw dermatologist at hospital and was given various creams that have helped. Also found that usual washing stuff (for clothes) made things much worse. Now use a hyper allery one for clothes, bedding and towels. Main problem now is very thin flaky skin.

Good luck with tracking down the cause - ask to see a 'skin person' at the hospital they are really helpful.
ATB
Pennie