Bad reaction to vancomyocin

To make a long story short--I just had my 6th pacemaker (and two new leads) in 40 years, implanted four days ago, and was dosed with IV vancomyocin which ultimately caused a scary dip in blood pressure. I don’t have any other medical problems and was due to go home that day, but had to stay in critical care all night.

Next morning my head, neck, and hands were swollen horribly and red. I was told I probably had "red man’s syndrome" from the vanco. After several doses of steroids in my IV, I returned home and began benedryl. My face and one hand is 75% better, but my left (the side my new pacer is on) is still swollen and almost hard.

Has anyone had any like experiences? I’m wondering if the meds will ever exit my system.

7 Comments

Reaction

by Pookie - 2012-04-23 04:04:14

I like to believe that the hospital released you knowing everything will be fine, however, if you are not comfortable I'd be getting a 2nd opinion.

I think you are correct - it's going to take some time before the vancomyocin exits your body.

If it were me - I'd go for a 2nd opinion even if its just with your family doctor.

Another thought: have you called your pharmacist? they are usually quite smart when it comes to drugs and side effects and they just may be able to help you or at least give you some peace of mind.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Pookie

Vanco

by KristineS5 - 2012-04-23 08:04:13

I suffered an allergic reaction to Vancomyocin when I was admitted for a severe upper respitory infection that caused breathing problems in which I was in heart failure. I was given Vanco over a period of two hours through an iv. It was soon after that I felt my neck and back getting warm. My whole upper body was if I was sun burned. Since the full dose was in my system, I was given Benedryl. I slept for quite some time and woke up in the middle of the night really confused as to where I was, sweating, and dizzy. The allergic reaction was working through my system. It took another full day of this before I started to feel like myself and looking normal. I don't think anything was swollen, just red. So it just takes a bit of time to make its way through your system. It was a scary experience. Since then, I have found out that I am allergic to a few other medications. But the Red Man's Syndrome has been the worst. Praying that your symptoms will disapate quickly.

oops?

by Hope - 2012-04-23 08:04:22

Please forgive my errors. Went too fast. I am sorry.

me too

by Hope - 2012-04-23 08:04:53

Also had a reaction to IV of same after my first ICD surgemry. R arm began to itch at IV site. was told it was just irratation by nurse until I became upset and my arm doubling in size. I do have lots of med allergies. For second ICD I was given Benadryl with it just during the surgery. That worked. Also took oral Clyndamycin. If you have trouble breathing or feel your throat is swelling as in more delayed reaction, get help immediately. I understand. Drug reactions are uncomfortable at best. Hopeful Heart

Same Here

by Many Blessings - 2012-04-23 10:04:37

I too, had the exact same reaction to Vancomyocin. It started with my head itching horribly, then my face started to swell, then my arm and hand got bigger, then the rash came, etc. I too, was given Benadryl IV, and the Vancomyocin was stopped immediately. It may just take some time to get out of your system, but do ask your doctor just to make sure that was the only drug causing the problem. My prayers to everyone on this site. I'm new here and am SO happy to have found a support group that will understand.

Red man's syndrome

by kathykat11 - 2012-04-26 12:04:39

I too had Red man's Sundrome and I continue to get vancomycin the doctor said it comes from having the vanco hit the system too abruptly if they run it in over a period 2-3 times longer than called for it does not happen. when my reaction happened it was so severe that the doctors gave me a bolus of benadryl which drooped my BP to the basement. the last thing i remember is the doctor saying Don't let her husband in he will kill us if we killed her he is out there with 3 kids and she takes care of them. It took a while but they got me stablized and I was able to go ahead with the heart surgery.
If you are truly allergic to vanco avoid it like the plague but if it wass just run in too fast you can still take it.

Still having symptomes

by Nardy - 2012-05-16 11:05:04

Well, nearly a month has gone by and I was nearly back to normal, when my face started to sswell slightly and get pink, expecially with exertion or if I'm out working in the sum. I look kinda like I have a case of roseaca at times. I give in and take a bit of benedryl at night, but wonder if I should continue. Guess I better get to another MD soon, as this is really getting on my nerves.

Nardy

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