WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
If you develop swelling, itching, or hives after taking a
medication--even one you have had before--you have a drug
allergy. When you stop taking the drug and the medication is
completely out of your body, the reaction will disappear. Most
allergic reactions are not a cause for alarm; but the severe
reaction called anaphylaxis (AN-uh-fuh-LAX-is) is a
life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical
care.
Causes
Just about any drug will trigger
a reaction in a few individuals. However, most drug allergies
are quite rare.
Signs/Symptoms
Mild Allergic Reaction: Skin rash, itching, and hives
after taking a drug.
Anaphylaxis: Swollen mouth, trouble breathing, a
pounding heart, fainting, chest tightness.
Care
You may be given medicine to stop the itching and
swelling.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Stop taking the medicine that caused the reaction and
call your doctor right away.
-
If you are having trouble breathing, swelling in your
throat or mouth, or other signs of anaphylaxis,
call 911 or 0 (operator) right away for
help.
-
After you have determined what medicine caused your
reaction, do not take it again and never take drugs in the
same class. Whenever you are given a new prescription, make
sure the doctor is aware of your
allergy.
-
Talk with your doctor before using any
over-the-counter medications.
-
After taking a new drug in your doctor's office,
always stay there for at least 15
minutes.
-
If you have hives or rash:
-
To relieve itching, apply cold compresses to the
skin or take a cool bath or an oatmeal
bath.
-
Do not take hot baths or showers. This will make
the itching worse.
-
Wear loose fitting clothes and avoid tight
underwear.
-
If you have a severe allergic
reaction:
-
Following a severe reaction, someone will need to
stay with you for 24 hours in case the symptoms
return.
-
You should wear a medic-alert bracelet or necklace
that names the medication to which you are
allergic.
-
Your doctor will suggest you buy an anaphylaxis kit
and will teach you and your family when and how to give
adrenaline shots.
-
If you have had a severe reaction before, always
carry your anaphylaxis kit with you.
-
You may return to your normal activities when the
allergic symptoms are gone.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You suspect a drug allergy. Symptoms may occur as
soon as 15 minutes after taking the
medicine.
-
Your rash, hives, or itching have not gone away in a
few days.
-
You develop a fever, upset stomach, or
vomiting.
-
You develop hives, swelling, or itching ALL OVER your
body.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have trouble breathing, wheezing, tight feeling
in your chest or throat, or a swelling in your mouth.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Dial
911 or
0 (operator) for help or have someone drive you to
the nearest emergency room.
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