Hives from Ultracet?

[Ops NCO]

Thought I'd throw this out for the medic types on the site. Since I'm an RN, feel free to use the terminology.

I had been on Vicodin and Ultram for a couple of months for a problem with T6/T7. Looks like some arthritis and irritation of the facet joints. In addition to the meds, I'm in PT twice a week.

These two meds were affecting my sleep, so the doc switched me on 10/17 to Skelaxin (for the muscle spasms) and Ultracet for the pain, both TID. That helped with the sleep issues.

Here's the problem. Last week I started having Hives. Have never had them before, but it's clearly hives. I stopped the Skelaxin and Ultracet yesterday to see if that helped (which is already leading to some pain issues, obviously). The only difference between the Ultram and the Ultracet is the dosage of the tramadol hydrochloride and the addition of acetaminophen in the Ultracet.

Since I've been taking the Ultram for a while now and just relatively recently switched to the Ultracet, could the acetaminophen be the culprit? I would have though the hives would have come on sooner if it was caused by the tramadol. Or could the Skelaxin be the trigger?

Anything I'm missing? Thoughts are appreciated. I'm using Bendadryl in low doses to manage the itching, but would like to figure out the cause asap. If not, I'll have to change my username to "Itchy Ops".

Thx, bro's.

[firemedic]

Ops Nco:
Your hives are most likly being caused by the Ultracet. Opiates / narcotics cause a release of Histamine resulting in the hives. Unless you have had a reaction to APAP, it is prolly the Ultracet. The Benadryl should help. I have had issues in the past giving Mso4 to patients for pain mangement with the side effects as your stating including puritis and nausea. Benadryl and Zofran helps. Hope this helped. P.M. me if other questions. Where are you an R.N. at?

Firemedic.

[Ops NCO]

Firemedic - Thanks for the info. Always helps to get another opinion. Harder to be objective when it's your skin (literally and metaphorically).

Where are you an R.N. at?

All sorts of different places. I work for a large rehab/nursing care company and oversee nurse consultants for three divisions of the company. That's why when I first started itching, I thought the hotel maybe didn't get all the bleach out of their sheets. Still scratching as of last night.

[shadowcop92]

I'll have to change my username to "Itchy Ops".

another itchy here on the site

[Ops NCO]

I'll have to change my username to "Itchy Ops".

another itchy here on the site

That would be terrifying, wouldn't it?

Let's give the Benadryl the time to work so we don't do anything....rash.

[shadowcop92]

He said........Rash

[SpongeBob]

Last time I gave medical advise...it didn't go over so well.....

Something about Adam having Shin splints so I told him to chop his legs off at his knees before it spread to his penis.......

Now if you are still interested....let me know.....

[DOC]

I would have to agree with you. If it was the Tramadol it should have showed up earlier. I would ask about Flexeril or Robaxin to see if those will work. I highly doubt it is the tylenol in the Ultram but you never know....

[DOC]

Last time I gave medical advise...it didn't go over so well.....

Something about Adam having Shin splints so I told him to chop his legs off at his knees before it spread to his penis.......

Now if you are still interested....let me know.....

Whatthe hell did I do with that quote?

[Altimeter]

There can be only one.....Itchee.

the funny thing is, Ops lives about an hour from me!

[blackflagg509]

Last time I gave medical advise...it didn't go over so well.....

Something about Adam having Shin splints so I told him to chop his legs off at his knees before it spread to his penis.......

Now if you are still interested....let me know.....

Sponge, looks like you're APO's Trapper John MD now.

[Skysoldier]

Hey OpsNCO.....it ain't hives.....you got the crabs......

have you talked to your sex partners lately.....they really need to know the truth!

[SpongeBob]

Whatthe hell did I do with that quote?

Here ya go....

[Ops NCO]

I'm very glad my - ahem - condition is letting so many of you amuse yourselves! (Bastards...)

Hives are better, but still not gone. Thanks for the feedback, men.

Ops

[firemedic]

Shit, you get no slack. Glad your feeling better. I should have also mentioned Solu-Medrol for the rash. Steroids always helps.

Sponge Bob: May I have permission to use your quote regarding choping off your legs to prevent in spreading? I will give you beer if needed.

Firemedic.