An estimated 50 million
Americans suffer from some
type of allergy. Each year
allergies account for more
than 17 million outpatient
office visits, with seasonal
allergies accounting for more
than half of all allergy visits,
according to the Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America.
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
all 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.
It is best to consult with your
physician or pharmacist for
recommendations on treatment
or a course of action
when an allergy or a potential
for an allergy is suspected.
A drug side effect is an
expected normal response
of your 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. 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
allergic or drug side effect,
recognizing the symptoms
and taking action can save
your life. Seek immediate
medical attention if you are
experiencing symptoms such
as difficulty breathing or
swelling of the lips, tongue
or face.
Common drug side effects
and allergy symptoms
Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Light-headedness
Increased heart rate
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Hot flashes
Insomnia
Allergies
Increased heart rate
Skin rash
Hives
Itching of skin or eyes
Wheezing
Swelling of lips, tongue
or face
- Do not take a drug you have
reacted to in the past without
consulting your physician or
pharmacist.
- Read the ingredients on food
nutrition labels and also note
the inactive ingredients on
packaging of drugs.
- Consider wearing a medical
alert ID bracelet or necklace
listing your allergies.
- Tell your health care provider
about any prescription or
over-the-counter medications
you are taking.
- If you are having a reaction,
immediately consult your
physician and/or pharmacist
and stop consuming the
food or taking the drug that
caused the reaction.
Food Allergies
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000817.htm
Drug Allergies
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000819.htm
Quarterly, pharmacists and
medical professionals review
the prescription drug list to
ensure it includes safe, cost-effective
medications and
reflects changes in the availability
of certain drugs. Unless
otherwise indicated, the
generic equivalents of brandname
drugs deleted from the
list continue to be covered at
the lowest copayment. They
are safe, effective and can save
you money. Visit our website
for the complete list.
Additions*
Effective 4/01/06
Apidra
Fortical
Levemir
Revlimid
Sutent
Effective 5/01/06
Niaspan
Zemplar oral
Effective 6/01/06
Fosrenol
Effective 8/01/06
Exjade
Orencia
ProAir HFA
Tamiflu (limit 10 caps/6 mos.)
