An estimated 50 million Americans
suffer from some type of allergy. Each
year allergies account for more than
17 million outpatient office visits,
according to the Asthma and Allergy
Foundation of America (AAFA).
As a result of the immune system
overreacting to an allergen (foreign
substance), you may experience
coughing, sneezing, itching, runny
nose and sore throat, for example.
A severe reaction can cause rashes,
hives, lower blood pressure, difficulty
breathing, asthma attacks and even
death.
Drug allergies are less common than
drug side effects, and most people
may never experience an allergy.
Symptoms of a drug allergy may
occur quickly (within minutes) or
several days after taking the drug.
Half of all allergic reactions occur just
one week after starting the drug, and
symptoms usually disappear three to
five days after stopping the drug.
Sometimes patients who are allergic
to certain foods can experience an
allergic reaction to the inactive
ingredients in a drug product that
contains traces of the allergens.
Eight foods are responsible for
90 percent of food allergies.
They are milk, soy, eggs,
wheat, peanuts, tree nuts
(walnuts, cashews), fish
and shellfish. These can
be found in drug products.
For example:
- The popular asthma inhalers
Advair, Serevent and Foradil
contain lactose, a product derived
from milk.
- Children’s Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt,
an over-the-counter product,
contains soy protein isolate.
- Vaccines for influenza and the
measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
vaccine are made in cells from
chick eggs.
A drug side effect is an expected
normal response of the body to a
medication at therapeutic doses
caused by a drug’s normal function.
Every drug is capable of causing side
effects. You may take a drug to relieve
one symptom, but it may unintentionally,
or in some cases intentionally,
cause you to experience other symptoms
or side effects. For example,
antihistamines such as Benadryl
commonly cause drowsiness; while
antibiotics like penicillin can cause
diarrhea. Diuretics, such as furosemide,
are designed to produce
frequent urination.
Prevention is key. That’s why it’s
important to communicate before you
medicate. If you do have a reaction,
whether a drug allergy or side effect,
recognizing the symptoms and taking
action can save your life. Consult your
physician or pharmacist for recommendations
on treatment or a course
of action. Seek immediate medical
attention if you are experiencing
symptoms such as difficulty breathing
or swelling of the lips, tongue or face.
Food Allergies
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000817.htm
Drug Allergies
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000819.htm
Common Drug Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Light-headedness
Increased heart rate
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Hot flashes
Insomnia
Common Drug Allergies
Increased heart rate
Skin rash
Hives
Itching of skin or eyes
Wheezing
Swelling of lips, tongue or face
