5 Signs You May Be At Risk For A Prescription Drug Allergy

People react to medication differently. Medication reactions can range from being mild in nature to more life threatening. It is essential that you are taking your medication exactly as the doctor prescribes it. If you experience any side effects, or if you feel you are having an allergic reaction, contact your doctor. If the reaction is severe, get medical attention immediately before you contact your doctor. Below are 5 signs you might be having an allergic reaction from a prescription drug.

1. Skin Rash

Skin rashes occur when you are having an allergic reaction to a medication. Many people have allergies to specific drugs and a few days after taking them, they can end up with a rash if they are indeed allergic to them. Penicillin is a common drug that people are allergic to. Typically, it is advised to stop immediately taking this drug and wait for the rash to subside. The itching can be soothed with over-the-counter topical treatments. In more severe cases, your doctor will prescribe you a prescription strength ointment.

2. Throat Swelling

One particular severe and whole body reaction to substances or chemicals is Anaphylaxis which involves the immune system. Histamine as well as other substances is released from various parts of the body. This results in the tighten of airways and other symptoms. Drugs like aspirin, morphine, x-ray dye, and others can cause an anaphylactic reaction when people first take the drug.

3. Wheezing

When a person experiences breathing problems, it is known as wheezing. When exhaling, wheezing can be spotted the most, but also, it can be heard while inhaling. It often happens from your bronchial tubes which are situated deep in your chest; however, it could also be due to large airways being blocked in a person who has vocal cord problems. In some cases, wheezing indicates a drug reaction, especially aspirin.

4. Hives

Hives are red, extremely itchy and are usually caused by having an allergic reaction to certain drugs like antibiotics, penicillin, codeine and aspirin. Identifying the causative factors and avoiding them will help to prevent the outbreak of hives. If your hives are causing you a lot of discomfort, especially when angioedema appears, you need to call your doctor immediately. You will likely be prescribed an antihistamine like Tagamet, Benedryl, Seldane or Atarax to ward off the itching and swelling. Corticosteroids are given for more serious cases. Also, for life-threatening situations, epinephrine shots are given.

5. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is sometimes caused by allergic asthma reactions, and can be serous and even life threatening. If you are experiencing shortness of breath along with other life-threatening symptoms like blue coloration of skin, lips, or fingernails, high fever of 101 or more, loss of consciousness or confusion, sudden swelling of lips, tongue or face, pain or pressure in your chest, or a rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention promptly.

Author Bio:
Tess Young has been a freelance writer for over 3 years and has experience writing about the pharmaceutical industry. For more information on reputable pharmacy companies and technicians, she recommends visiting Northwest Pharmacy.