Polaramine? Alan can you help?

[MrsBexie]

I have a rash that has appeared in the last 2 days and I talked to my MW this morning. She told me that the Ob had recommended I take polaramine to stop the itching... but I have had it before and the pharmacist said don't take it in the 3rd trimester.
I am 38 weeks today... So I am confused!!
Is it ok or not??? I don't think my MW and the OB at the hospital would tell me to take it if it's not safe but then i have heard that it isn't this late in pg!

Please help!!

[Alan]

Hi MrsBexie
I would advise you not to take it. Should your baby be born when you are taking this drug he/she could have a very nasty reaction to it

[MrsBexie]

Do you know any other safe antihistamines for pg? Is phenergan ok??

[HmCm]

Hi, i asked my OB the very same question yesterday and he said it was fine to take, but only take them if its REALLY necessary and try not to take them often. Maybe you could call and double check again.

[Inanna]

Hi Mrsbexie - Polaramine can & does affect the respiratory system of newborns who's mothers have ingested the drug prior to birth. As your baby could be born at any time now this is why it's not encouraged to take.

I am more interested in the rash. Have you had a urine test? A blood test? Is there any mention of what this rash is?

Without knowing what the rash is it's not wise to treat it. You can use things in your bath - the name escapes me due to sleep deprivation but it will come to me.. Pinetarsal... !

But really find out what the rash is - that it's not a complication of pregnancy - treat the rash topically but personally I don't recommend antihistamines at this stage of pregnancy.

[Alan]

I agree with Inanna, I would not recommend any antihistamine at this stage in your pregnancy.
If you rash was due to your EPO use and you have stopped using EPO I would expect your rash to start to ease by now. Perhaps it’s time for a trip to the doctor to check on the rash

[MrsBexie]

I think I am going into see my MW today because it is getting worse... There isn't a bad visible rash, it's just freaking itchy all over my chest, my neck and ears... I currently have an ice pack on my chest/neck to try to cool it down.
I haven't had EPO for a few days, so I don't think it is that! Can you be allergic to RLT tablets but not tea? That's the only other newish thing in my system... started them last week, I didn't have any probs with the tea leaves though. I'll wait for my MW to call about my growth scan and see what she says.

Thanks guys!!! I'll let you know what happens

[Inanna]

I've not heard of such a reaction to EPO. It sounds suspicious to me of cholestasis. Do mention it to your Midwife today. xxx

[MrsBexie]

I am getting a blood test n liver function thing tomorrow..
GP said she thinks it's heat rash. It hasn't been that hot here lately but it has been the hottest since last summer so maybe that's the cause? I got a cortisol cream to put on it, the pharmacist tried to give me polaramine again and told me it was cat A and completely safe!! Her little book is wrong, it's so not cat A!!