I developed hives a few days ago. I've been taking 800 mg. of Ibuprofen about once a day for 2 wks. My doctor told me to take Zyrtec and Benadryl, along with Tagamet. I thought I would continue taking Ibuprofen for the pain of the hives, but then I read that Ibuprofen could make the hives worse, so I stopped taking it as of last night.
My advice is to try to stop takign the Ibuprofen, maybe switch to Tylenol as your pain reliever. Or even try some topical anti-itch creme. Over the counter Hydrocortosone 1% works wonders!! I speak from exprience. In answer to your question, YES you can develop an allergy to ibuprofen even after taking before without incident. I had this happen to me, very similar to your situation. I had taken it for many many years for PMS, headaches, any ache really. Then I began taking it frequently for major back issues for about 4-6wks, everyday anywhere from 800-1600mg of it. I started to developed a horrible rash on my face, that got worse, bigger, more blister like mesquito bite itch that I couldnt control. Also, my eyes would swell up like pink eye, but no discharge, so more like a reaction to allergens in the air.. super red, swollen that type of thing. BUt i would notice this would happen to the same eye as the rash was on my face. I also noticed a weakness in my legs that at first I attriubited to my back issues. Again, as time progressed my rash, my swelling eyes, the weakness in my legs began becoming unable to make my legs work properly at times, hardly able to walk. INCREDIBLE PAIN, NUMBNESS, WEAKNESS in my leg. This then moved to my arm. At this point this rash became hives on my face. I had to see a Dermatologist. He detremined that I did have a reaction to Ibuprofen. My question was the same to him as yours, even if I have never had a problem before and I have taken it many time before this? He could only tell me yes each person is different with their chemical internal makeup and right now this med is no longer agreeing with your body. You would be amazed how many people had this type of reaction to ibuprofen, as I have read about this online on other med chat boards. It affects all ages, male and female. Healthy and all. Good luck with everything!! Be your own advicate as the patient. Tell you doc what you need, what is happening with you throughout this process as you figure things out with this poss allergery. Seriously, without us the patient, Docs would have no business and would honestly learn nothing. So, dont be afraid to ask questions, make statments, or get second or third opinions!! :)
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Posted by Joodie
I developed hives a few days ago. I've been taking 800 mg. of Ibuprofen about once a day for 2 wks. My doctor told me to take Zyrtec and Benadryl, along with Tagamet. I thought I would continue taking Ibuprofen for the pain of the hives, but then I read that Ibuprofen could make the hives worse, so I stopped taking it as of last night.