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What treatment for neuropathic itch from chemo worked for you?
After my 1st infusions, (carboplatin, taxol, keytruda), I experienced itching in my hands and feet, it worsened after the 2nd infusion. Antihistamines / steroid creams do not work. The oncologist does not want to reduce my dose until I complete a round of gabapentin to see if that masks the itching.
The itch is so severe it is debilitating. Showering is out for me as water activates the itch which lasts around 4 hrs.
The oncology nurse said the neuropathy usually goes away within 3 months once the infusion series is completed. I think she is talking about peripheral neuropathy where you get numbness and tingling.
I am stage 4B so really need the chemo drugs to knock the cancer back but am wondering if I am left with this side effect the whole process was probably not worth it.
Anyone found an effective treatment for this condition?
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@sherlie
Post chemo I have come to realize I am a totally different person and will never return to my pre chemo state. This new person has lost interest in old hobbies, eats differently, and is finding joy in everyday activities. Like you I hope to continue to heal and get some energy and brain cells back! Best wishes!
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5 ReactionsHere is my neuropathic itch update: 8 months post chemo I tapered off Gaba, 1 wk per taper, reduced dose by 50% each week, last dose was 50mg. 3/27/26 Gaba taper done, no itch. Vertigo went away within 2-3 wks after d/c Gaba (dizzy when eyes closed and standing, kind of a wobble). Sleep disrupted after d/c Gaba, could not get into a deep sleep. Sleep is finally improving 2 months out.
Did not realize Gaba was causing my vertigo, I could not shut my eyes in the shower without getting dangerously wobbly and had to lean against the bookcases at the library when selecting books.
I am thankful that there was a drug to help with the neuropathic itch and very thankful to finally get off of that drug!
Unfortunately for me, my pruritus, is still just as bad 5 years later. My neuropathy did not improve either. It seems no oncologist has ever heard of this. I gave up on showers or bathing. I find that if I wash my legs then run ice cold water over them, then apply vaseline, it reduces the itch.
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1 Reaction@cdst My oncologist said I was the first person in over 30years of his oncology practice to get the neuropathic itch. He said less than 1% of chemo patients get it. Lucky me! I've had eczema since 3 months old so figure my skin defect (it is a genetic defect) put me at risk for the "itch". Have you tried Gabapentin or pregabalin?