Arrrhhh hayfeaver!

tuxy

I'm dieing so does anyone know of a good website to get the pollen count?

Yes, I put it in after hours because I had no idea where it should go.

Xavi6

Try here -

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054940448

AckwelFoley

http://www.irishhealth.com/pollen_cnt.html

randylonghorn

tuxy wrote: »

I'm dieing so does anyone know of a good website to get the pollen count?

At this time of year?

tuxy

randylonghorn wrote: »

At this time of year?

Yup, spring starts in a few days.

Rb

Mine hasn't flared up as of yet, I'm praying my doctor allows me to have the steroid anti-hayfever injection again, have had it 4 years running now.

Siogfinsceal

rb_ie wrote: »

Mine hasn't flared up as of yet, I'm praying my doctor allows me to have the steroid anti-hayfever injection again, have had it 4 years running now.

me too i get it twice a year its a life saver. I can feel my hayfever and headaches starting to make an appearance again it gets earlier every year ;(

JustCoz

I feel your pain Tuxy, I'm dying with mine at the moment too

rb ie wrote:

I'm praying my doctor allows me to have the steroid anti-hayfever injection again, have had it 4 years running now.

My doctor wouldn't give me the injection, she said there were too many dodgy side effects. Is this true?

Siogfinsceal

JustCoz wrote: »

I feel your pain Tuxy, I'm dying with mine at the moment too


My doctor wouldn't give me the injection, she said there were too many dodgy side effects. Is this true?

get a different doc. Loads of them come out with this sh!te that the injection is bad. Thankfully mine is more realistic. yes, there are side effects to the injection but when I get hayfever and allergies I get constant runny nise, cant open my eyes properly, severe migraine and then strep throat from all the mucus running down from my sinus. It means I can barely function let alone work. Tried every thing was on anti biotics several times a year until the doc sent me to clane hospital where they diagnosed not tonsilitis but a virus and severe allergies. doc gave me the hayfever injection and instant relief. I now get it in march/april and in july/august its a life saver for me. If my doc wouldnot give it to me id be in bits 6 months a year. Its meant to have problemswith osteoperosis so I supplement with calcuim tablets and I dont take nurofen or aspirin (it thins your blood so you cant take these with it).

Rb

Siogfinsceal wrote: »

me too i get it twice a year its a life saver. I can feel my hayfever and headaches starting to make an appearance again it gets earlier every year ;(

I only get it once, around April and it seems to clear me up for the year. My hayfever gets very bad in comparison with a lot of peoples if I don't get it, and nothing else comes close to the injection in terms of relief for it.

I agree with ya about JustCoz going to another doctor, mine treated it as a kind of last resort measure, but hasn't stopped me getting it since. There's two doses afaik, and I get the higher one.

I've never suffered from any side effects to it anyway, it just clears me up and that's me done for the year.

mental07

Hayfever already? :eek:
Just out of interest, do those of you suffering from it now live in an urban area or a rural area? I suffered from it throughout my teens when I lived 'out the country', but since I've been living in the city it's nowhere near as bad!

Rb

mental07 wrote: »

Hayfever already? :eek:
Just out of interest, do those of you suffering from it now live in an urban area or a rural area? I suffered from it throughout my teens when I lived 'out the country', but since I've been living in the city it's nowhere near as bad!

I live near Dundrum in the south Dublin suburbs, however the very worst hayfever attack I had was out at Fota in Cork which was pure hell.

tallaght01

JustCoz wrote: »

My doctor wouldn't give me the injection, she said there were too many dodgy side effects. Is this true?

Siogfinsceal wrote: »

get a different doc. Loads of them come out with this sh!te that the injection is bad. Thankfully mine is more realistic.

rb_ie wrote: »

I agree with ya about JustCoz going to another doctor

Justcoz,

Don't just go looking for new docs until you find one who gives you what you want.

You can't treat medicines like groceries. Sterois are potentially dangerous.

Talk to your doc. Ask what the side effects are, and discuss whether you're willing to take those risks, as a trade-off in terms of coping with hayfever. The final decision should be yours.

Feel free to change doc if you're not happy with yours, but you're better off just talking to them.

Raytown Rocks

Another Hayfever sufferer here.
I too have to get the injection and sometimes twice a year, after that the Doctor doesnt really want to give me another one even if my hayfever persists.
Without it I am just a bag of snots and tears, not a pretty sight.
Have no symptoms yet ( Thank God), and usually get the first jab around Mid
March.
Has anyone started taking anti-histamines now, in tablet form before their symptoms start to see if it slows down the onset of their hayfever?

tk123

i've had symptoms for around 3 weeks now - i had about 3 months break from it and its back again . I might look at getting the injection because the pills and drops add up after a few months.

tallaght01

out of curiousity, how do you guys rate the nsal sprays that you get over the conter. Flixonase and the like.

I used them when I used to get hayfever bad and they were the best thing ever.

Rb

They, nor anything else except for the injection have cleared me up sufficiently in the past. I know they've worked for others with milder hayfever though.

tk123

tallaght01 wrote: »

out of curiousity, how do you guys rate the nsal sprays that you get over the conter. Flixonase and the like.

I used them when I used to get hayfever bad and they were the best thing ever.

I found them a bit expensive also say for Beconase you have to use it for something like 2 weeks before you get symptoms to have it in your system. I use Zirtek and Opticrom myself. Last year I was at the docs to get a prescription refilled and mentioned that I was suffering badly and was prescribed Nasonex which was brilliant. It seems to be available over the counter in other countries so I might be getting some friends/family going on hols to turn into drug mules for me and bring some back

randylonghorn

rb_ie wrote: »

I live near Dundrum in the south Dublin suburbs, however the very worst hayfever attack I had was out at Fota in Cork which was pure hell.

I'm beginning to understand why you're such a townie!

tk123 wrote: »

i've had symptoms for around 3 weeks now - i had about 3 months break from it and its back again

Jeez! :eek:

Sympathies!

I tend to get one severe dose a year usually when people start cutting grass, have a few bad days, go on anti-histamines and gradually wean myself off them again as my body acclimatises, after which the odd sniffle on a high-pollen day is usually the worst I get. Can depend a bit on the year / weather though.

I know I'm safe enough for another couple of months ... though I got caught out badly one year when I went to Madrid for Easter, and got a hell of a dose!!

tallaght01 wrote: »

out of curiousity, how do you guys rate the nsal sprays that you get over the conter. Flixonase and the like.

I used them when I used to get hayfever bad and they were the best thing ever.

Found them useless, Tallaght, but that's not uncommon for me ... have found over the years that a lot of things which perform perfectly adequately for others, my system just goes "Pfft! You're joking me, right?!!" and ignores them ... including some much stronger items than hayfever nasal sprays.

Seem to work well for some people, though.

Jimbo

I get the injection twice a year and I dont recall my doc. ever warning me about side effects. Does anyone know what they are?

Dubit10

I've had hayfever since i was 8 years old now.I have tried everything for it.Injections,tablets,spray etc....Two years ago i started in mid-January on a product called forever bee-pollen.It's part of the forever living range of products and as the title suggests it is made of bee pollen,silica,royal jelly and honey.I am proberly the worlds biggest pesimist when it comes to magic cures but i can 100% with hand on heart that this has cured all my hayfever blues. It is a 100% natural product with no side effects whatsoever unlike the steroids which i have heard can have some terrible results long term.Anyway just my 2 cents and i hope if you try it it works for you.As i said you need to start taking it early in the year through until july or august.Goodluck:) P.S...... I dont work for forever products:D

Dubit10

jimbo78 wrote: »

I get the injection twice a year and I dont recall my doc. ever warning me about side effects. Does anyone know what they are?

I'm not sure but i have heard something about the heart blood vessels contracting in size with regular use. My doctor would only let me get the injection twice in the space of 5 years and then i got a little bit paranoid when i heard the above:(

kraggy

tuxy wrote: »

I'm dieing so does anyone know of a good website to get the pollen count?

Yes, I put it in after hours because I had no idea where it should go.

I find it unreal to think you are suffering from symptoms this early in the year. I used to get it real bad, but NEVER this early. Not saying I don't believe you, just flabbergasted. Especially considering the weather hasn't been too mild.

JustCoz wrote: »

I feel your pain Tuxy, I'm dying with mine at the moment too


My doctor wouldn't give me the injection, she said there were too many dodgy side effects. Is this true?

Yes there are side effects. Plenty of them, some of them potentially harmful.

tallaght01 wrote: »

Justcoz,

Don't just go looking for new docs until you find one who gives you what you want.

You can't treat medicines like groceries. Sterois are potentially dangerous.

Talk to your doc. Ask what the side effects are, and discuss whether you're willing to take those risks, as a trade-off in terms of coping with hayfever. The final decision should be yours.

Feel free to change doc if you're not happy with yours, but you're better off just talking to them.

+1

rb_ie wrote: »

They, nor anything else except for the injection have cleared me up sufficiently in the past. I know they've worked for others with milder hayfever though.

Anyone who relies on the injection, be warned that it's effectiveness may dwindle after more than a couple of years usage. It happened to me.

First I became immune to anti-histamines, then nasal sprays, then prescibed tablets. The injection was my saviour. But then I grew immune and I was left with nothing but a combination of sprays, drugs and keeping my eyes closed in a desparate effort to rid myself of the symptoms.

Thanfully I've grown out of it now (I'm 29).

But I cannot stress how important it is to talk to your doctor about the possible side-effects of the steroid injection.

b0bbie

i have the kenelog injection and its a wonder I'm still alive for the warnings....

Warnings

General
Exposure to excessive amounts of benzyl alcohol has been associated with toxicity (hypotension, metabolic acidosis), particularly in neonates, and an increased incidence of kernicterus, particularly in small preterm infants. There have been rare reports of deaths, primarily in preterm infants, associated with exposure to excessive amounts of benzyl alcohol. The amount of benzyl alcohol from medications is usually considered negligible compared to thatreceived in flush solutions containing benzyl alcohol. Administration of high dosages of medications containing this preservative must take into account the total amount of benzyl alcohol administered. The amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. If the patient requires more than the recommended dosages or other medications containing this preservative, the practitioner must consider the daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from these combined sources (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).

Because Kenalog-10 Injection (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP) is a suspension, it should not be administered intravenously. Strict aseptic technique is mandatory.

Rare instances of anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS).

Increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids is indicated in patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress before, during, and after the stressful situation.

Kenalog-10 Injection (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP) is a long-acting preparation, and is not suitable for use in acute stress situations.


Cardio-Renal
Average and large doses of corticosteroids can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when they are used in large doses. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. All corticosteroids increase calcium excretion.

Literature reports suggest an apparent association between use of corticosteroids and left ventricular free wall rupture after a recent myocardial infarction; therefore, therapy with corticosteroids should be used with great caution in these patients.


Endocrine
Corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment.

Metabolic clearance of corticosteroids is decreased in hypothyroid patients and increased in hyperthyroid patients. Changes in thyroid status of the patient may necessitate adjustment in dosage.


Infections

General
Patients who are on corticosteroids are more susceptible to infections than are healthy individuals. There may be decreased resistance and inability to localize infection when corticosteroids are used. Infection with any pathogen (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan or helminthic) in any location of the body may be associated with the use of corticosteroids alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. These infections may be mild to severe. With increasing doses of corticosteroids, the rate of occurrence of infectious complications increases. Corticosteroids may also mask some signs of current infection.


Fungal Infections
Corticosteroids may exacerbate systemic fungal infections and therefore should not be used in the presence of such infections unless they are needed to control drug reactions. There have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions: Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents).


Special Pathogens
Latent disease may be activated or there may be an exacerbation of intercurrent infections due to pathogens, including those caused by Amoeba, Candida, Cryptococcus, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Pneumocystis, Toxoplasma.

It is recommended that latent amebiasis or active amebiasis be ruled out before initiating corticosteroid therapy in any patient who has spent time in the tropics or in any patient with unexplained diarrhea.

Similarly, corticosteroids should be used with great care in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation. In such patients, corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia.

Corticosteroids should not be used in cerebral malaria.


Tuberculosis
If corticosteroids are indicated in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, close observation is necessary as reactivation of the disease may occur. During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, these patients should receive chemoprophylaxis.


Vaccination
Administration of live or live, attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered. However, the response to such vaccines cannot be predicted. Immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy, e.g., for Addison’s disease.


Viral Infections
Chicken pox and measles can have a more serious or even fatal course in pediatric and adult patients on corticosteroids. In pediatric and adult patients who have not had these diseases, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If exposed to chicken pox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If exposed to measles, prophylaxis with immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chicken pox develops, treatment with antiviral agents should be considered.


Neurologic
Reports of severe medical events have been associated with the intrathecal route of administration (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Gastrointestinal and Neurologic/Psychiatric).


Ophthalmic
Use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses. The use of oral corticosteroids is not recommended in the treatment of optic neuritis and may lead to an increase in the risk of new episodes. Corticosteroids should not be used in active ocular herpes simplex.

Adequate studies to demonstrate the safety of Kenalog Injection use by intraturbinal, subconjunctival, sub-Tenons, retrobulbar and intraocular (intravitreal) injections have not been performed. Endophthalmitis, eye inflammation, increased intraocular pressure and visual disturbances including vision loss have been reported with intravitreal administration. Several instances of blindness have been reported following injection of corticosteroid suspensions into the nasal turbinates and intralesional injection about the head. Administration of Kenalog Injection (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP) by any of these routes is not recommended.


Precautions

General
This product, like many other steroid formulations, is sensitive to heat. Therefore, it should not be autoclaved when it is desirable to sterilize the exterior of the vial.

The lowest possible dose of corticosteroid should be used to control the condition under treatment. When reduction in dosage is possible, the reduction should be gradual.

Since complications of treatment with glucocorticoids are dependent on the size of the dose and the duration of treatment, a risk/benefit decision must be made in each individual case as to dose and duration of treatment and as to whether daily or intermittent therapy should be used.

Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical improvement.


Cardio-Renal
As sodium retention with resultant edema and potassium loss may occur in patients receiving corticosteroids, these agents should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, hypertension, or renal insufficiency.


Endocrine
Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently.


Gastrointestinal
Steroids should be used with caution in active or latent peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, and nonspecific ulcerative colitis, since they may increase the risk of a perforation.

Signs of peritoneal irritation following gastrointestinal perforation in patients receiving corticosteroids may be minimal or absent.

There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids in patients with cirrhosis.


Intra-Articular and Soft Tissue Administration
Intra-articularly injected corticosteroids may be systemically absorbed.

Appropriate examination of any joint fluid present is necessary to exclude a septic process.

A marked increase in pain accompanied by local swelling, further restriction of joint motion, fever, and malaise are suggestive of septic arthritis. If this complication occurs and the diagnosis of sepsis is confirmed, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted.

Injection of a steroid into an infected site is to be avoided. Local injection of a steroid into a previously infected joint is not usually recommended.

Corticosteroid injection into unstable joints is generally not recommended.

Intra-articular injection may result in damage to joint tissues (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Musculoskeletal).


Musculoskeletal
Corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption both through their effect on calcium regulation (i.e., decreasing absorption and increasing excretion) and inhibition of osteoblast function. This, together with a decrease in the protein matrix of the bone secondary to an increase in protein catabolism, and reduced sex hormone production, may lead to inhibition of bone growth in pediatric patients and the development of osteoporosis at any age. Special consideration should be given to patients at increased risk of osteoporosis (i.e., postmenopausal women) before initiating corticosteroid therapy.


Neuro-Psychiatric
Although controlled clinical trials have shown corticosteroids to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, they do not show that they affect the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. The studies do show that relatively high doses of corticosteroids are necessary to demonstrate a significant effect. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids, most often occurring in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission (e.g., myasthenia gravis), or in patients receiving concomitant therapy with neuromuscular blocking drugs (e.g., pancuronium). This acute myopathy is generalized, may involve ocular and respiratory muscles, and may result in quadriparesis. Elevation of creatinine kinase may occur. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping corticosteroids may require weeks to years.

Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids.


Ophthalmic
Intraocular pressure may become elevated in some individuals. If steroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks, intraocular pressure should be monitored.


Information for Patients
Patients should be warned not to discontinue the use of corticosteroids abruptly or without medical supervision, to advise any medical attendants that they are taking corticosteroids and to seek medical advice at once should they develop fever or other signs of infection.

Persons who are on corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles. Patients should also be advised that if they are exposed, medical advice should be sought without delay.


Drug Interactions
Aminoglutethimide: Aminoglutethimide may lead to a loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression.

Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents: When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents (i.e., amphotericin B, diuretics), patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. There have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure.

Antibiotics: Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance.

Anticholinesterases: Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy.

Anticoagulants, oral: Coadministration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin, although there have been some conflicting reports. Therefore, coagulation indices should be monitored frequently to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect.

Antidiabetics: Because corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required.

Antitubercular drugs: Serum concentrations of isoniazid may be decreased.

Cholestyramine: Cholestyramine may increase the clearance of corticosteroids.

Cyclosporine: Increased activity of both cyclosporine and corticosteroids may occur when the two are used concurrently. Convulsions have been reported with this concurrent use.

Digitalis glycosides: Patients on digitalis glycosides may be at increased risk of arrhythmias due to hypokalemia.

Estrogens, including oral contraceptives: Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain corticosteroids, thereby increasing their effect.

Hepatic enzyme inducers (e.g., barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin): Drugs which induce hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzyme activity may enhance the metabolism of corticosteroids and require that the dosage of the corticosteroid be increased.

Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to an increased risk of corticosteroid side effects.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS): Concomitant use of aspirin (or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) and corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The clearance of salicylates may be increased with concurrent use of corticosteroids.

Skin tests: Corticosteroids may suppress reactions to skin tests.

Vaccines: Patients on prolonged corticosteroid therapy may exhibit a diminished response to toxoids and live or inactivated vaccines due to inhibition of antibody response. Corticosteroids may also potentiate the replication of some organisms contained in live attenuated vaccines. Routine administration of vaccines or toxoids should be deferred until corticosteroid therapy is discontinued if possible (see WARNINGS: Infections: Vaccination).


Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
No adequate studies have been conducted in animals to determine whether corticosteroids have a potential for carcinogenesis or mutagenesis.

Steroids may increase or decrease motility and number of spermatozoa in some patients.


Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C
Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in many species when given in doses equivalent to the human dose. Animal studies in which corticosteroids have been given to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits have yielded an increased incidence of cleft palate in the offspring. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who have received corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.


Nursing Mothers
Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. Caution should be exercised when corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman.


Pediatric Use
This product contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Benzyl alcohol, a component of this product, has been associated with serious adverse events and death, particularly in pediatric patients. The “gasping syndrome” (characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, gasping respirations, and high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites found in the blood and urine) has been associated with benzyl alcohol dosages >99 mg/kg/day in neonates and low-birth-weight neonates. Additional symptoms may include gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Although normal therapeutic doses of this product deliver amounts of benzyl alcohol that are substantially lower than those reported in association with the “gasping syndrome,” the minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. Premature and low-birth-weight infants, as well as patients receiving high dosages, may be more likely to develop toxicity. Practitioners administering this and other medications containing benzyl alcohol should consider the combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources.

The efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in the pediatric population are based on the well-established course of effect of corticosteroids which is similar in pediatric and adult populations. Published studies provide evidence of efficacy and safety in pediatric patients for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (>2 years of age), and aggressive lymphomas and leukemias (>1 month of age). Other indications for pediatric use of corticosteroids, e.g., severe asthma and wheezing, are based on adequate and well-controlled trials conducted in adults, on the premises that the course of the diseases and their pathophysiology are considered to be substantially similar in both populations.

The adverse effects of corticosteroids in pediatric patients are similar to those in adults (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Like adults, pediatric patients should be carefully observed with frequent measurements of blood pressure, weight, height, intraocular pressure, and clinical evaluation for the presence of infection, psychosocial disturbances, thromboembolism, peptic ulcers, cataracts, and osteoporosis. Pediatric patients who are treated with corticosteroids by any route, including systemically administered corticosteroids, may experience a decrease in their growth velocity. This negative impact of corticosteroids on growth has been observed at low systemic doses and in the absence of laboratory evidence of HPA axis suppression (i.e., cosyntropin stimulation and basal cortisol plasma levels). Growth velocity may therefore be a more sensitive indicator of systemic corticosteroid exposure in pediatric patients than some commonly used tests of HPA axis function. The linear growth of pediatric patients treated with corticosteroids should be monitored, and the potential growth effects of prolonged treatment should be weighed against clinical benefits obtained and the availability of treatment alternatives. In order to minimize the potential growth effects of corticosteroids, pediatric patients should be titrated to the lowest effective dose.


Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.


Adverse Reactions
(listed alphabetically under each subsection)

The following adverse reactions may be associated with corticosteroid therapy:

Allergic reactions: Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema.

Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction (see WARNINGS), pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis.

Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, edema, erythema, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, lupus erythematosus-like lesions, purpura, rash, sterile abscess, striae, suppressed reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria.

Endocrine: Decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance, development of cushingoid state, glycosuria, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetes, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, menstrual irregularities, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness), suppression of growth in pediatric patients.

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients, fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, potassium loss, sodium retention.

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, bowel/bladder dysfunction (after intrathecal administration), elevation in serum liver enzyme levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, increased appetite, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the small and large intestine (particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative esophagitis.

Metabolic: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism.

Musculoskeletal: Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, calcinosis (following intra-articular or intralesional use), Charcot-like arthropathy, loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pathologic fracture of long bones, post injection flare (following intra-articular use), steroid myopathy, tendon rupture, vertebral compression fractures.

Neurologic/Psychiatric: Convulsions, depression, emotional instability, euphoria, headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually following discontinuation of treatment, insomnia, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy, paresthesia, personality changes, psychic disorders, vertigo. Arachnoiditis, meningitis, paraparesis/paraplegia, and sensory disturbances have occurred after intrathecal administration (see WARNINGS: Neurologic).

Ophthalmic: Exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, rare instances of blindness associated with periocular injections.

Other: Abnormal fat deposits, decreased resistance to infection, hiccups, increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa, malaise, moon face, weight gain.


Overdosage
Treatment of acute overdosage is by supportive and symptomatic therapy. For chronic overdosage in the face of severe disease requiring continuous steroid therapy, the dosage of the corticosteroid may be reduced only temporarily, or alternate day treatment may be introduced.

Jesus Wept

Spring has sprung
the grass is riz
I wonder where
the flowers is...

tuxy

Just an update on this, I have been in London the last few day and feel 100% again. Kind of dreading going back home.

Mr Velo

Oh Good Lord, i've been struck down with the dreaded hayfever again this year. June is always worst for me. Went to Killarney for a few days last week and wasn't bothered once, just in the door at home again and the itchy eyes and runny nose / sneezing began again.

Have just taken my first Zirtek tablet of the summer. First summer wearing soft contact lenses also, and my eyes were burning in my head last night - even after removing the lenses and putting back on my glasses for the first time in 9 months.

I'm sure more of you out there are suffering at the moment also?

Kur4mA

I'm in the same boat. I felt the first effects of hayfever over the weekend and also had to take my first Zirtek tablet of the Summer. I'm pretty much immune to all of the other tablets from taking them so often over the years or else they just dont work so well for me.

I'm fine today thank feck but am expecting it to get worse as it always does.

ScumLord

Suck on a lemon, it's an old wives cure, works every time.

Dudess

Yup, except the hayfever is being replaced by a sinus infection which always happens. Right now my head and sinuses are blocked up and sore. And I just want to go to sleep.
I find Flixonase nasal spray with the long green lid excellent, but you can only get that with a prescription.
June is when I get it. Thankfully it's gone (usually) by July.

Rb

I forgot to get the injection this year. So far I've been fine though, took Zirtek for a week whilst in the French countryside and wasn't bothered at all. Forgot to take anything last week and had a few sneezes whilst walking past plants, but Zirtek seems to be doing the job this time around (which it didn't do previously).

Frisbee

I used to use Zirtek and found them great.
But the gf works in a pharmacy and recommended I take Histex instead.
All the active ingredients are the same and their less than half the price

DenMan

Oh dear Hayfever!, I hate that word. Been suffering from it since childhood. When I was younger it used to affect me real bad. Eyes would be swollen and could hardly breath. It still affects me to his day albeit not as bad. Although I do spend a lot of time outdoors especially in the garden!! I am now using Baconase. Previously you would need a precsription to get it but now you can get it over the counter in all/most chemists. Works very good for me. Boots for 7/8 euro. Highly recommended. Works wonders.

gixerfixer

Jesus wish tablets worked for me.Ive tried everything and i mean everything.kenalog,tablets,sprays,natural cures,bee pollen tablets and nothing has ever worked for me.The only time in my whole life it hasnt flared up (last week May until mid July) is when i was living in New York for several years.Only when i went out of the city or to central park did it occur.Lack of grass in NY is great.Guess it would be the same in any concrete jungle.Been driven mad today and i see the pollen count is very high for the rest of the week:(

Sherifu

Survival of the fittest.

JerryHandbag

Yep I can honestly say this is the worst ever dose of hay fever ive had in my 30 yrs, and to think some people grow out of it, its everything it was before but now with added headaches and upset stomach....I may be the architect of my own downfall however as this summer i had decided to go treatment-free in an effort to prove that my hayfever this summer was no worse than before, and therefore that all the medicines etc are useless....what can I say, looks like Ive been proved wrong.....been housebound for a good 10 days now, and am about to ring the doc and beg him to give me the jab....screw the side effects

Is there such place on earth as a pollen-free zone!? The bottom of the ocean?

Dudess

Rb wrote: »

I live near Dundrum in the south Dublin suburbs, however the very worst hayfever attack I had was out at Fota in Cork which was pure hell.

My worst was in Lansdowne Road at a concert a few years ago - had to phone my brother to collect me long before the concert finished. I actually looked like I'd been beaten up. My eye make-up had an Alice Cooper/Kiss thing going on. Even had a temperature that night - it had flared up so badly that an infection developed. And I had taken anti-histamines in plenty of time before the concert.

Raytown Rocks

Off to the doc to get my injection tonight.
Tis all that works for me.
Plus I have a cold at the moment too, which just adds to my woes

Dudess

Apparently putting some Vaseline around your nostrils helps block the pollen particles.

gixerfixer

Dudess wrote: »

Apparently putting some Vaseline around your nostrils helps block the pollen particles.

I remember hearing that one when i was about 11 or so.I can hand on heart say it does not work:(

Mr Velo

I think you need to actually put the vaseline on a ear bud or something and then put it up your nose. Basically, just putting it on the outside of your nostril won't stop those pollen spores getting up there and causing anguish!

WoollyRedHat

I used to take the tablets but now use nasal spray because of sinusitis.

Did anybody get hayfever symtoms around last October?

My name is Mud

Rhinolast spray does the trick for me

Tastes a bit manky though

And yes, you can taste things when they are sprayed up your nose...

Clink

Dudess wrote: »

Apparently putting some Vaseline around your nostrils helps block the pollen particles.

You can get little tubs of vaseline like stuff in chemists now that you rub under your nose. Can't remember what it's called but you'll find it at the till of most chemists.

Also when the pollen count is high you shoudn't dry your bedclothes outside.

Hornswoggle

Word has it that if you put a huge lump of vaseline on the end of your nose it catches the pollen and stops you from getting hayfever. :pac:

ScumLord

You could wear a mask of bee's. They'll stop the pollen getting up your nose.

Jello

Just in from the back garden and it's hitting me now.

Hasn't been too bad this year so far though, but was in Austria last week and got it pretty bad at times. Zirtek usually sorts it though

Rb

Dudess wrote: »

My worst was in Lansdowne Road at a concert a few years ago - had to phone my brother to collect me long before the concert finished. I actually looked like I'd been beaten up. My eye make-up had an Alice Cooper/Kiss thing going on. Even had a temperature that night - it had flared up so badly that an infection developed. And I had taken anti-histamines in plenty of time before the concert.

Do you still get attacks that are that bad?

Those sort of attacks are the reason I started getting the injection, absolutely horrible thing to experience and can really ruin a day/event.

Such a bizarre condition though, the first inclination that I'm about to suffer is when my beard gets itchy, or if I've no beard then my head hair. From there it's downhill unless somethings done quick!

Dudess

ScumLord wrote: »

You could wear a mask of bee's. They'll stop the pollen getting up your nose.

LOL
Sometimes hayfever is so miserable the above would make a pleasant relief.

Rb wrote: »

Do you still get attacks that are that bad?

Yeah, but I'm just careful about where I go during the month of June and I'm vigilant with taking whatever medication needs to be taken. Plus, I do find nasal spray excellent - hadn't discovered its benefits that time. It doesn't work for everyone though. The only really bad attack I've had since discovering it works for me was summer two years ago - the really hot one. I was walking down Mobhi Road in Glasnevin, which is covered in trees. Again, looked like I'd been beaten up. But it didn't develop into an infection and the doc advised me that's thanks to the nasal spray.
I asked my mum if she'd sort out the injection for me a few years ago (she's a nurse in a GP and she specialises in asthma care). She refused - I left it at that cuz she's usually so pro science, pharmaceuticals etc.
Nasal spray does contain a level of steroid though. As I said, the Flixonaise with the tall green cap can only be purchased with prescription but it's worth it as it's far, far more effective than the one you get over the counter.

blorg

Ok, so where can we get cheap anti-histamines here? Cheapest I have seen was €2.49 for 7 generic Zirtek in Boots. This was a special offer, need to check if it is still on. Last two years I stocked up in the US with 100-tablet jars for $10 or something.

luckat

Shower every night so you take the pollen off your hair, eyelashes, eyebrows and facial down. Swimming helps too - in the sea, like.

But if you're seriously hayfevery the best dart is to find where you don't get affected and try to live there. For me, it's beside the sea.

The worst of it is, you never know what on earth's making you so sick for the first few days before you realise - oh, you again?