Had Cortisone Shots In Neck. What Could Be The Cause For Redness In Body?

Posted on Wed, 13 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 Answered on

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Thank you- I have redness with warmth on my cheeks,nose,ears,chest and the back of my arms which began yesterday afternoon. On Monday I received 3 cortizone shots on the left side of my neck (for pain). I have not eaten or drank anything that I usually do not have and have not changed ant laundry detergents. I am currently taking the following medications: Synthroid .001 mg 1 x day, Wellbutrin: 150 mg 1x day, Strattera 40 mg 1x day, Plaquenil 200mg 2x day. Phentermine 37.5 mg 1x day Thank you! Not sure if this might be a drug interaction with other medications I am taking or allergic reaction to cortizone shots.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: This can be due to allergy or drug interaction Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for writing on XXXXXXX Of all the five drugs which have been mentioned Wellbutrin & Strattera have drug interaction(which is significant & must be closely monitored). If you have associated dry mouth, increased heart rate, increased BP or blurring of vision this might be a plausible explanation. One more pausibility can be due to synthyroid which might cause redness, hot flashes, sweating etc. Any drug can be allergic/hypersensitive. It is quite difficult to guess which among the above has caused such allergic reaction. I suggest you to discuss with your doctor since he can examine you and might narrow down the cause of these symptoms. I hope I have answered your question. DO write to us for further queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (35 hours later)

Thank you-I did follow up with the orthopedic doctor's office and a nurse told me that it was most probably a reaction from the cotizone shots and that it would dissapate. It did actually go away so I think it must have been the cortizone shots. I will keep in mind the information you shared about medications that I am presently taking. Thank you for your time! XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Praveen (12 hours later)

Brief Answer: This can also be one the reasons Detailed Answer: Hi.Thanks for writing back.You are most welcome to share your thoughts. Thanks for being to your doctor' office. This could be possibly due to cortisone since it is know to produce flat round red spots-Petechiae & (ecchymoses- bit larger ones). But typically only on examination the caused can be boiled down (to a large certain extent) depending on the distribution size and extent of involvement etc.Hope this information will not only help you to be aware of the side effects and but also about the interaction among them. Get well soon.If you feel anything suspicious consult your doctor without further delay. Keep us posted.Happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj