When you take a medication, you expect relief from your symptoms, not an allergic reaction like a rash or hives. If you think you have a drug allergy, the allergists and immunologists at the Allergy and Asthma Specialists of Greater Washington provide diagnosis and treatment, with offices located in Fairfax, Gainesville, Vienna, Warrenton, Culpeper, Tysons, and Front Royal, Virginia. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
A drug allergy is a condition where your immune system reacts to a medication like it is a harmful substance, triggering an allergic reaction. Drug allergies are more likely with medications you take frequently, and when the medication is injected or rubbed on your skin, and less likely with medications taken orally.
Some medications are more likely to trigger an allergic response, including:
Drug allergies aren't side effects. When your immune system identifies a medication as a threat, it releases histamines and other chemicals to fight off the perceived threat. That causes symptoms like:
If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to a medication, stop taking it. If you show signs of anaphylaxis, including swelling, hives, low blood pressure, or shock, seek emergency medical care. Unlike other allergic reactions, anaphylaxis affects more than one body system at the same time and can be fatal.
Your doctor at Allergy and Asthma Specialists of Greater Washington diagnoses drug allergies with a comprehensive exam, skin tests, blood tests, and oral drug challenges. Your doctor will ask you questions like:
During a skin test, your skin is exposed to a small, diluted amount of the suspect drug with an injection, a scratch test, or a patch. If you’re allergic to the drug, you develop a small, itchy, red bump on the test site.
Your doctor may suggest an oral drug challenge where you take a medication, and they observe you for signs of an allergic reaction. This is an alternative if a skin or blood test isn’t available or is inconclusive.
In most cases, if you have a drug allergy, you stop taking the medication and avoid it in the future. Your doctor at Allergy and Asthma Specialists of Greater Washington may also prescribe medications to manage your symptoms like antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine.
If you’re concerned about a drug allergy, call or make an appointment online today.
