Drug Allergy: Care Instructions

Overview

A drug allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to something in a medicine. This causes an allergic reaction. You may have skin problems, such as hives, a rash, or itching. Your lips, mouth, and throat may swell. You may have trouble breathing. And you may have belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. A reaction can range from mild to deadly.

After you have a reaction to a medicine, you may always be allergic to that medicine and to others like it. But some drug allergies go away with time.

Drug allergies are different than side effects and drug interactions. Side effects are reactions to medicines that aren't caused by the immune system. Drug interactions occur when two or more medicines that you take don't work well together in your body.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine medicine, such as an epinephrine shot or nasal spray, to carry with you in case you have a severe reaction. Learn how to give yourself the medicine, and keep it with you at all times. Make sure it has not expired.
• Go to the emergency room every time you have a severe reaction. Go even if you have used your epinephrine medicine and are feeling better. Symptoms can come back after taking the medicine.
• Be safe with medicines. If you were given a medicine for your allergic reaction, take it exactly as directed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Avoid medicines like the one that caused your allergy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you think you may be taking a similar medicine.
• If you have a mild skin rash or itching from your allergy:
  • Wear light clothing that does not irritate your skin.
  • Use calamine lotion. Or take a nondrowsy antihistamine, such as loratadine (Claritin). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow the instructions on the label.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • Do not use strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals. They can make itching worse.
• Wear medical alert jewelry that lists your allergies. You can buy this at most drugstores.
• Be sure that anyone treating you for any health problem knows that you are allergic to this medicine.

When should you call for help?

Use an epinephrine medicine, such as an epinephrine shot or nasal spray, if:

• You think you are having a severe allergic reaction.
• You have symptoms in more than one body area, such as mild nausea and an itchy mouth.

After giving an epinephrine medicine, call 911, even if you feel better.

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
  • Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over your body.
  • Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Passing out (losing consciousness). Or you may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
  • Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
  • A rash or hives (raised, red areas on the skin).
  • Itching.
  • Swelling.
  • Mild belly pain or nausea.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.