Are You Allergic To Your
Medication
Are You Allergic To Your Medication?
Did you know that you could have an allergic reaction to the medication you are taking?
Would you know what an allergic reaction to your medication is when it happens?
Finding out the answers to these questions before it happens is better than being blindsided by an allergic
reaction to your medication and having an emergency to deal with.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to a medication can be mild or they can be life threatening. Many
medications that we take can cause a mild irritation such as when your stomach gets upset after taking a
medication.
When we are having an allergic reaction to a medication, your body may react by having hives, skin rashes, itchy
eyes, or when your mouth or throat becomes swollen.
A severe allergic reaction to medication may be when you have difficulty breathing or when your skin turns blue,
you feel faint, are anxious, act confused, or have a rapid pulse, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Medications that are known to produce allergic reactions are: penicillin, and other antibiotics, sulfa drugs,
anticonvulsants, insulin, and barbiturates.
Your doctor diagnoses a medication allergy after the occurrence by reviewing the emergency record, or other
medical records.
Your doctor may also order skin testing to rule out drug allergies before treating you with a
medication.
If you are diagnosed with a medication allergy, it should be recorded in your medical records and any new doctor
should be informed about your medication allergy.
You should also inform any medical professional about your allergy so that they can make a wise choice regarding
your prescriptions.
Morphine and pentobarbital are examples of two medications that are given by this route. Pain medication can be given by way of an epidural such as during childbirth. Drugs and Medicine |
When you have a medication allergy it is also a good idea to wear a MedicAlert bracelet and also carry a card
that identifies your medication allergy, just in case you are unable to speak.
Having this information about your medication allergy available in case of an emergency may safe your
life.
Anyone can develop a medication allergy even to drugs that they have taken previously.
,), these possible reactions should be noted and discussed with your doctor if it may be dangerous to operate a motor vehicle or machinery if you experience any of these reactions while taking the medication. You should find out if the medication you are about to take has any possible side effects when combined with certain food or drinks? Are there any medications that may react to this medication if taken at the same time or approximately the same time? You should also know when to expect the medication to start working and how long you will need to continue to take it. Drugs and Medicine |
If there is family history of medication allergies you are more likely to develop a medication
allergy.
Make sure you tell your pharmacist about your medication allergy.
A medication allergy is caused by an over-sensitive immune system. The individual with a medication allergy has
an immune system that attacks the medication as if it were a harmful substance.
If you are allergic to the medication that you are taking it may not surface until a few days after you start
taking the medication. Your allergic reaction may not even surface until up to 3 weeks after you start taking the
medication.
Some of the symptoms of being allergic to the medication that you are taking may be itching, hives or raised,
red, itchy patches of skin, swelling welts around your eyes or lips.
You may even experience mild or moderate wheezing. Abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, or
vomiting are all signs that you may be having an allergic reaction to the medication that you are taking.
|