Hi Starznight,

The only thing for the treatment of an exacerbation (relapse, attack, flare-up) are steroids.

On a positive note; exacerbations can resolve on their own. Steroids might help the exacerbation resolve quicker...but not always.

I have had 5 exacerbations and only used steroids twice.

I am guessing Acthar Gel is in the same category of the other medications you mentioned but it is used for exacerbations, although it is pricey.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Tre...P-Acthar%C2%AE

In the past, I've heard that some did somewhat well on Anti Virals?

would plasmapheresis help?

I'll definitely have to call the neuro to ask about both the anti-viral and plasmapheresis. Honestly the plasmapheresis, though it sounds expensive, likewise sounds like my best bet, since how can I be allergic to myself? It's really tricky having somewhat unusual drug allergies especially when they knock out a whole family of treatments.

Cortisone is by far the strangest allergy according to most of my doctors and nurses who wonder how someone can even be allergic to it. It'd be like having an allergy to protein. It exists in the body, is created by the body...yet allergic all the same... and just the plain old irony of an allergy to allergy medication LOL love watching newbie nurses and doctors try to wrap their heads around that.

maybe you're not allergic to the actual cortisone, but to one of the compounds that they probably mix it with in order to make it an injectible/IV medication?

And maybe if you're also allergic to oral cortisone, again, maybe there's a compound in that you're reacting to?

Gosh Starz! You're in a difficult situation in regards to being allergic to antihistamines and steroids. Hopefully, you never experience a severe allergic reaction to anything. Erin brings up a good point. Sometimes it's the fillers that were sensitive or allergic to and not necessarily the medication.

There are natural anti-inflammatories that may help some but I don't think the result will be as big as with steroids. I do know that anthocyanins found in berries (blueberries) and cherries have strong anti-inflammatory properties and can be just as effective as taking an aspirin or ibuprofen. I was researching this for all of my joint issues and some of the studies sound promising.

Some neuros don't use steroids to treat a flare unless it involves the eyes or the flare is severe (been there and spend some time in the hospital with that one). I actually have had more flares that were not treated with steroids than treated with steroids. My neuro does not treat spinal flares with steroids and just offers symptom management.

I think you best option is to discuss this with your neuro and if you do decide to try the IVSM, then request to be admitted to do so given your history. Let us know how you are doing.

That certainly is a tough challenge.
I too am sensitive and allergic to a lot of meds, especially IV and injected ones. Steroids aren't for me either but I do tolerate cortisone injected into problematic joints.

For symptom control, I can use Diclofenac compound topically to control localized inflammation and pain, so that might be worth a try.
Ibuprofen, Epsom salt baths, Baclofen are other symptom controllers that might work for you.

Hoping that you find something that eases things for you.

With love, Erika