Claritin and Cortizone

Anyone else using Claritin (loratadine tablets) to treat ITP itching?

Anyone else using Cortizone (hydrocortisone cream) to treat ITP itching?

I take Zyrtec daily not Claritin. I have not had any itching. My doctor said for me to continue taking it.

I take claritin daily for allergies, but have never had itching. Is that a typical symptom of ITP?

I have never had ITP itching - but I take Claritin daily from about Feb until the end of October - sometimes take it 2x a day - for allergies.

I have used a cortisone cream before for an itch.

Are you afraid either will drop your count?

D.Mann, thanks for the tip on Zyrtec. Apparently it is better than Claritin in providing relief.

Barb, I don't think it is typical at all.
But, I know that I have itching and have noticed many comments here on PDSA about others with that problem. Further, that folks when going to higher doses of Promacta have increased itching. Recall that Promacta works by increasing the number of platelets. So, the itching may have something to do with platelet destruction by immune system around the skin - as opposed to within the spleen. Total guess by me, not a doctor.

Melinda, I've been taking Claritin for about a month. It has not hurt counts and possible it has helped just a little. What is your experience in that area? Interesting that you sometime take two. Been thinking about trying that.
For the Cortizone, I've been using it past two days. It's just topical steroids. Seems to eliminate itching wherever it is applied for hours. Perhaps all it is doing is dilating capillaries, I dunno.

Do I sound as desperate for platelets as I am ?

Hal - I would ask my doctor. But yes, I was told I could take Claritin at night and in the morning. My PCP told me it has been that way in Europe for a while. My friend takes Zyrtec at night and Claritin in the morning for her allergies - per her doctor. Zyrtec can make one sleepy.

But I'd talk to my doctor before adding a dose or mixing the 2.