REPRINTED FROM:
 
             MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE
                         BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY
                              P.O. BOX 5207
                          MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS
                               APRIL, 1993
 
     The following is an interesting and need-to-know article printed
in the Maryland Beekeeping newsletter with the permission of the author.
It is taken from the book "Understanding Prescription Drugs", by
Dorthy L. Smith, Pharm D., pp. 270 and 271; Reference: British Medical
Journal 292:378, 1986.
 
                           DID YOU KNOW THAT?
 
    Beekeepers should think twice before taking some anti-inflammatory
drugs. The drugs may reverse their immunity to bee stings.
    During the last few years, several new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs have been developed to relieve pain and reduce stiffness, swelling
and joint pain associated with inflammation. Such drugs include
ibuprofen, fenoprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, sulindac, piroxicam,
suprofen and tolmetin.
    It is well known that beekeepers develop an immunity to bee stings
and it has been reported that some people get temporary relief from the
pain of arthritis if they sustain several bee stings. Two cases have
recently been reported of people with an immunity to bee stings taking
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and suffering serious allergic
reactions to bee and wasp stings.
    A 66-year old beekeeper had developed an apparent immunity to bee
stings over six years. She was prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug for osteoarthrosis. A few months after taking the drug, she was
stung on the wrists while working around the beehives and within 15
minutes developed heart palpitations, a rash and swelling of the mouth
and tounge, making it difficult for her to breath. She stopped taking the
drug and 48 hours later when she was stung again, she developed no
reaction.
    Another report describes the 48-year old wife of a beekeeper who had
 been taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for five months for
 osteoarthritis. She had previously had only skin reactions to wasp stings
 but one day she developed widespread swelling, red, itchy rash, heart
 palpitations and shortness of breath within two minutes of being stung
 by a wasp. Hospitalization was necessary.
    Until more is learned about the reason for these reactions, beekeepers
 should be aware of potential hazards associated with these drugs and
 bee stings.
 
                              John P. Wrosch
 
                          E.A.S. Master Beekeeper
 
 
 
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