What Causes Pins And Needles?

Certain Medications

Patients who take certain medications could develop pins and needles as a side effect. For example, cisplatin and other chemotherapy medications used in the treatment of breast cancer and lymphoma are associated with pins and needles in thirty to forty percent of patients receiving the drugs. Patients who use antiretroviral medications for HIV or AIDS are also likely to experience pins and needles. Hydralazine, perhexiline, vincristine, phenytoin, nitrofurantoin, isoniazid, and dapsone all have pins and needles as a possible side effect. This sensation might occur for individuals who take fluoroquinolones or metronidazole to fight infections, and it is also a recognized side effect of heart and blood pressure medicines such as amiodarone. Since a pins and needles sensation can be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, patients should mention this side effect to their doctor. If possible, the physician may be able to prescribe a different medication that does not cause this side effect. Over-the-counter and prescription-strength pain medications might be recommended to manage this symptom.

Learn more about what can cause pins and needles now.