the Connection Between Rashes and Medications

Rash and its relationship with medications?

Dear Doctor,
I have multiple joint inflammations and recently started taking Celebrex (two capsules a day) and Voltaren (one capsule a day).
Unfortunately, I contracted COVID-19 after starting the medication, but I continued taking the drugs.
On the sixth day after my diagnosis, I developed a rash all over my body (after taking the medication for more than a week), but it is not itchy.
I am unsure whether the rash is caused by COVID-19 or the medications.
Since my next appointment is over a month away, I would like to ask if I should continue taking the medications or stop until my next visit.
Should I see a specialist first? Thank you for your assistance.

Mm, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/19

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine

Hello, thank you for your inquiry.
It may still be related to the medication, so I recommend that you stop taking the medication and return to the original prescribing physician for the Sertraline or consult a rheumatologist.
The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2023/03/19

More Info

When it comes to understanding the connection between rashes and medications, it is essential to consider several factors, including the specific medications being taken, the timing of the rash's appearance, and any other underlying health conditions. In your case, you mentioned taking Salazopyrin (Salsalate) and Voltaren (Diclofenac) for joint inflammation, and you developed a rash after contracting COVID-19.
Firstly, it is important to note that both medications you are taking can potentially cause skin reactions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Voltaren can lead to various skin reactions, including rashes, although they are relatively uncommon. Salazopyrin, which is often used for inflammatory conditions, can also cause skin reactions in some individuals. However, the timing of your rash's onset—occurring six days after your COVID-19 diagnosis—raises the possibility that the rash could be related to the viral infection itself rather than the medications.

COVID-19 has been associated with a variety of skin manifestations, including rashes. These can range from maculopapular rashes to urticaria (hives) and even more severe conditions like COVID toes. The fact that your rash is not itchy may suggest that it is not an allergic reaction, which typically presents with pruritus (itching). However, it is crucial to monitor the rash closely for any changes, such as increased redness, swelling, or the development of blisters.

Given that you are experiencing a new rash and are unsure of its cause, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Ideally, you should reach out to your primary care physician or a dermatologist who can evaluate the rash in person. They may perform a physical examination and consider your medical history, including the medications you are taking and your recent COVID-19 infection, to determine the most likely cause of the rash.

Regarding whether you should continue taking your medications, it is generally not advisable to stop any prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider first. Stopping your anti-inflammatory medications could lead to a resurgence of your joint inflammation, which may cause more discomfort. However, your doctor may decide to adjust your treatment plan based on their assessment of your rash and overall health.

In summary, the connection between your rash and medications is not straightforward and requires careful evaluation. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. They will help determine whether the rash is related to your medications, the COVID-19 infection, or another cause altogether. Until you can see a doctor, monitor the rash for any changes and keep track of any other symptoms you may experience.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blisters: Are They a Coincidence or Drug Allergy?

After taking headache medication twice, I developed many chickenpox-like rashes all over my body. I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or a drug allergy.

Dr. Xie Wenjie reply Family Medicine
The morphology of chickenpox has not been described, so further explanation is not possible. Drug allergies primarily manifest as skin rashes.

Managing Skin Rash from Hypertension Medications: What You Need to Know

If you are experiencing side effects such as a rash and darkening and itching of the soles of your feet and calves while taking hypertension medications like Diltiazem HCl, Aprovel FC 150mg, and Ismo-20, it is important to consult your doctor. You should inform your physician abo...

Dr. Zhu Junyuan reply Cardiology
Diltiazem is classified as an antianginal and antiarrhythmic medication, with a modest effect on lowering blood pressure. Side effects may include dizziness or lightheadedness, facial flushing (sensation of warmth), headache, extreme fatigue, bradycardia, gastrointestinal discomf...

Understanding Rashes: Causes and Treatments for Skin Issues

Doctor, I have developed a large rash on the back of my thigh that looks similar to mosquito bites. Could this be due to the medication I took for treating athlete's foot and dyshidrotic eczema, or is there another reason?

Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello, regarding your question about the skin rash, it is necessary to see the actual condition to make a proper assessment. If the situation you described involves swelling that does not resolve on its own, factors such as the timing of the occurrence and what exacerbates or all...

Unexplained Rash: Could It Be an Allergy After Dental Work?

On Tuesday night, I noticed some mild redness and a rash on my left thigh while taking a shower. When I got dressed, I discovered that both of my palms had a rash resembling an allergic reaction, with the left hand being more severe. The next morning, I woke up to find that the r...

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● If you have developed a rash on both palms, it is important to be cautious about the possibility of enterovirus or other viral rashes. However, since you have previously taken medication, the likelihood of a drug rash is actually higher (it may not appear within one or two days...