Spotting and treating a drug allergy

Almost all medications can have side effects, and in up to 10% of cases, an adverse reaction is an allergic one. Drugs that are more likely than others to cause an allergic response include antibiotics, vaccines, and hormones such as insulin.  Symptoms of a drug allergy include:

• wheezing and other respiratory problems
• itching
• skin rashes
• swelling of the face and other areas where there’s fatty tissue under the skin.

If the allergic reaction is mild, stopping the drug is usually enough. For more serious reactions, treatment with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and other medications may be needed. Anyone who’s ever had a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that was possibly linked to a medication should see an allergist/immunologist before starting a new medication. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Web site at http://www.aaaai.org.