If you develop a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing after taking certain medications, you may have a drug allergy. As with other allergic reactions, these symptoms can occur when your body’s immune system becomes sensitized to a substance in the medication, perceives it as a foreign invader and releases chemicals to defend against it. People with drug allergies may experience symptoms regardless of whether their medicine comes in liquid, pill, or injectable form. If you feel confused about your symptoms and which medications are safe for you to take then it’s time to take control and see an allergist.
Drug Allergy Symptoms
Skin rash or hives
Itching
Wheezing or other breathing problems
Swelling
Anaphylaxis a potentially life-threatening reaction that can simultaneously affect two or more organ systems (for example, when there is both a rash and difficulty breathing).
Common Triggers of Drug Allergies
Penicillin and related antibiotics
Antibiotics containing sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
Anticonvulsants
Aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Chemotherapy drugs
Diagnosing Drug Allergies
Skin test (accurate only for penicillin)
Drug
challenge
Drug Allergy Management and Treatment
Avoid triggers.
Seek immediate medical care if symptoms worsen or multiple symptoms occur together (anaphylaxis).
Make sure that all of your health care providers, including your pharmacist, are aware of your allergy. If you have a history of anaphylaxis, wear a medical alert bracelet that lists your trigger.
Symptoms
While you may not experience allergic symptoms the first time you take a drug, your body could be producing antibodies to it. As a result, the next time you take the drug, your immune system may see it as an invader, and you’ll develop symptoms as your body releases chemicals to defend against it.
These symptoms may include:
Skin rash or hives
Itching
Wheezing or other breathing problems
Swelling
Vomiting
Feeling dizzy or light-headed
Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock; reactions may simultaneously affect two or more organ systems (for example, when there is both a rash and difficulty breathing).