What would happen if a stranger entered your house one day, without any warning? How would you react?
Simply explained, that is how a Drug Allergy works. Any drug is a foreign substance to your body. Based on your immune system’s composition, it will accept some drugs and reject others. When your body starts the process of rejection, you get a Drug Allergy.
While the most common symptoms are similar to some allergies, you will be advised to get it checked with your doctor. Each person’s body composition is different and therefore they react differently. You could be allergic to any format of medicine – a Pill, an Ointment or an Injectable liquid. The time it takes for the allergy to manifest varies for each person. Some react right away (1 to 2 hours) while others might take the drug a few times before the immune system presents a reaction.
Another important fact you need to know is that a drug Allergy is not the same as a drug’s Side effect. Side effects are expected, often noted on the drug label.
The most common symptoms of drug allergies are Skin-based (itching, rash, hives, puffing) and Bronchial (coughing, sneezing, congestion, swelling in mouth or throat). Some people can also exhibit symptoms like dizziness, stomach upsets or nausea.
A severe but rarer effect is Anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can impact more than one organ system. Anaphylactic shocks will require immediate medical intervention.
You can also have allergies to a ‘family’ of drugs. This means that and if you are allergic to a particular drug, then there is a chance you might be allergic to other drugs that share common ingredients. Make it a point to ask your doctor if you need a test-dose to check for allergies whenever you start a new prescription. You might sometimes not have the time to get a range of extensive allergy tests. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for a consolidated allergy test.
Here are some of the drugs which can lead to allergic reactions:
Always inform any doctor you consult if you suffer from any allergies especially if you tend to have allergic reactions. It is a good idea to wear a medical bracelet with information about your allergies for emergency situations.
In case of a reaction, visit your doctor and you will be given one of the following treatments:
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