OK loosen up this is important.
Those not up to speed might want to read this first http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,14970.0.html
OK - now for the update. I happened to be speaking to the Apiary Officer with the DPI here in Queensland about other issues when he bought up my allergic reaction to bees. It seems that this particular reaction has happened to a couple of other beekeepers in Qld and from anecdotal evidence it seems to have to do with the taking of anti-inflamatory drugs.
Many beekeepers suffer from back problems - well lugging around FD super full of honey is it any wonder! It so happens that those suffering with such problems are prescribed anti-inflamatory drugs by their local GP. Now I am no medico or otherwise proficient but it seems that there are two groups of anti-inflamatory drugs, one is an asprin base and the another from some other base. It is the 'other' base that is the problem. According to the Apiary Officer, the asprin base causes no such reaction - the 'other' base is triggers the reaction I have previously described when coupled with bee venom.
Which explains my reaction - I have been taking an anti-inflamatory for by spasmotic back spasms and bingo - when stung down I went.
As I only take the drug ocassionally the residue in my body has since worn off and as a consequence explains why I now don't suffer that particualr reaction - just local swelling and redness.
Perhaps it is well to be advised - not only for your own infomation but in case it happens to someone near you. If you're on anti-inflamatories be prepared when dealing with bees.
Hopefully you have your problem resolved. Good luck.
...JP
which anti-inflammatory??
The "aspirin type" are in a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (nsaids). These also include Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxem sodium). These drugs in and of themselves can cause allergic reactions including rash and, in serious cases, airway constriction. I am guessing the other type of anti-inflammatory would be coticosteroids such as depo medrol and cortisone
Thanks for posting this info ~ I have severe shellfish allergies & always have an epipen handy especially when eating out since in the Northwest they often use shellfish stock to rinse pasta & flavor other foods. I've had fuzzy lips & a swollen tongue just by tasting some foods. Shellfish allergies are cummulative in that they get worse with each reaction. Interesting how others reported such varying reactions.
I'm currently taking anti-inflammatories for tendonitis in my feet ~ yuk ~ so I'm worried about any reactions. One more thing to think about & plan for :)
Thanks again for the valuable information!
Quote from: Pond Creek Farm on May 31, 2008, 12:19:23 AM
The "aspirin type" are in a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (nsaids). These also include Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxem sodium). These drugs in and of themselves can cause allergic reactions including rash and, in serious cases, airway constriction. I am guessing the other type of anti-inflammatory would be coticosteroids such as depo medrol and cortisone
Thank you for the technical info.
There are still a few COX-2 inhibitors on the market for pain relief, too, and they have their own host of problems (eg, Vioxx).
I take a NSAID called Volteran (diclofenac) daily. So far I haven't been stung, so don't know if I'd have a reaction. I really hope not, because I've been through a lot over the last 2 years, and really don't want to have to give up my new beekeeping hobby.
I just found out that I have some things going on with my back, and was told that I should have cortisone shots to the spine, which I really, really don't want.
I guess when I talk to my doctor I should bring up my new hobby.
Can the OP post any links to confirm the interaction between the drug/s and bee stings?
I would speak with your doctor before doing anything like giving up beekeeping. I have not done any searches on the interaction between NSAIDs and bee venom, but you could look up the medication in the physician's desk reference (PDR) which has every known complication from the medication. This is an almost exhaustive list, however, and should not be acted upon without talking with your doctor. Remember that the allergic reactions of NSAIDs involves a very small percentage of the popluation. By the way, cortisone to the back might be just waht you need. It is a very good localized steroid for reducing inflammation and allowing healing.
This is counter to what I've read from other beeks. Some NSAIDs are good to go, such as Aspirin and others are to be avoided as they may result in a severe reaction to stings, specifically ibuprofen. I don't know if there has been a scientific study on this.
Talking to your doctor is the best idea. I take Asperin daily and also perscription Ibuprofen 800's on occasion for leg pain. I have had no problems with any reactions from either medication.
I'd still like a link to proven info.
My doctor already thinks I have "canceritis" and I don't want her to think I've gone off the deep end if I ask about NSAID or cortisone/bee venom reactions. :-\ Thanks.
I think tylenol is the big problem. Aspirin doesn't seem to be a problem
Zyflamend, by New Chapter
WoBenzym N
non pharmaceutical stuff...just needs a few weeks to kick in...
I suffer from Osteo-arthritis as well as Fibromyalgia and as a consequence I take several anit-inflamatory drugs several times a day. I have yet to experience a problem with an unexpected allergic reaction when stung. I try to get stung a few times when I go into the bees it helps immensely with the arthritis, Fibromyalgia and even the RLS.