Drug Allergy

What is a drug allergy?

Allergies result from your immune system doing its job, just in an overzealous way. If it mistakes a harmless substance for a dangerous invasion, it overreacts and produces protective chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms. In this case, the harmless substance is a medication, possibly a medication that you’ve used frequently.

What causes a drug allergy?

It can be surprising to take a familiar medication and experience a reaction. The medications that most commonly cause allergic reactions include:

• Aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• Antibiotics like penicillin
• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Anticonvulsants
• Chemotherapy

Your odds of a reaction increase if the medication is rubbed on your skin or injected rather than taken orally.

What are the symptoms of a drug allergy?

Adverse reactions to drugs may vary, but common allergic symptoms include:

• Itching
• Swelling, including facial swelling
• Skin rashes or hives
• Respiratory problems

Anaphylaxis is a very severe allergic reaction that can cause swelling, hives, and even send you into shock. If you experience anaphylaxis symptoms, use an epinephrine pen if possible and call 911 for immediate medical attention.

How are drug allergies treated?

Allergy Associates of Utah starts with evaluating and investigating your symptoms to understand your allergies and limit your exposure to allergens and irritants. After reviewing your medical history and performing allergy testing, your provider develops a personalized treatment plan.

Your plan may include:

Stopping or weaning off the medication

Your medical team can look for alternative solutions as your allergist helps relieve your symptoms and avoid further reactions.

Medications

A variety of medications may assist your care.

Antihistamines block the chemicals your immune system produces during an allergic reaction, which keeps your symptoms under better control. Corticosteroids, usually administered orally or by injection, can combat more severe symptoms. Epinephrine shots are vital to treat anaphylaxis.

Allergy shots

Allergy shots are a part of immunotherapy and work by introducing tiny amounts of an allergen (the medication, in this case) into your system. Over time, these carefully administered doses desensitize your immune system until you can tolerate the drug without an adverse reaction.

Call the Allergy Associates of Utah office or book online today to schedule your consultation and discuss the tailored solutions available for your drug allergy.