When we are sick or have a problem, medicine is an indispensable thing to get rid of it, right? The service provided by medicine in our lives is really great. However, sometimes, these medicines that we take for our own well-being can have a negative effect on our body, that is, an allergic reaction. We call this a drug allergy . Although many people are afraid of this word when they hear it, if we understand it properly, we can manage this condition well.
Simply put, an allergy is when our body's defense system, the immune system, mistakes something that is actually harmless (in this case, a drug) for a big enemy. Imagine that we have a few security soldiers in our body. It's like these soldiers mistake a really friendly person for an enemy and start attacking him. The body then produces a large amount of chemicals like `histamine` to fight off that "enemy". That's when allergy symptoms appear.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
It's common for us to experience things like stomach upset when we take medicine. Not all of these are allergies. We call them "side effects." But if it's a real allergy, the symptoms are a little different. Let's see what the difference is between the two.
| Characteristic type | Common signs and symptoms |
|---|---|
| True Allergic Reaction |
|
| Common Side Effect of a Medicine |
The dangerous condition called Anaphylaxis
Sometimes this allergy can be very severe. We call it anaphylaxis . This is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. In this case, one or more of the following symptoms may occur:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Bluish discoloration of the skin
- Dizziness (vertigo) and fainting
- Severe restlessness and confusion
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea and diarrhea
Most importantly: Anaphylaxis is an emergency. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take the patient to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Allergy symptoms can sometimes start right after taking a medicine. But sometimes they can appear hours, days, or even weeks later. Also, some people may become allergic the first time they take a medicine, while others may become allergic after taking it several times. It is possible to suddenly become allergic to a medicine that you have taken for years without any problems.
What medications cause the most allergies?
In fact, anyone can have an allergic reaction to any medication. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications. However, there are some medications that are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others.
- Penicillin and other antibiotics in its class are the most commonly allergenic drugs in the world.
- Sulfa drugs
- Barbiturates ( medicines used for conditions such as sleep and epilepsy)
- Anti-seizure drugs : For example, drugs like `carbamazepine` and `phenytoin`.
- Painkillers: Medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
- ACE Inhibitors: Medicines such as `captopril` and `enalapril`, which are used to treat high blood pressure.
- Contrast dyes: Special dyes injected into the body during tests such as X-rays and MRIs.
- Some herbal and even Ayurvedic medicines can be allergic to some people.
How do you know for sure if this is a drug allergy?
If you suspect you have a drug allergy, the best thing to do is to see your doctor and talk about it. He or she will carefully listen to your symptoms and medical history.
Tell your doctor these things clearly:
- What is the name of the medicine you took?
- Have you had any allergies to other medicines or foods before?
- How long ago did the symptoms start?
- Were there any changes in those characteristics?
- Did you do anything to reduce the symptoms?
If your doctor suspects that you have an allergy to an antibiotic like penicillin, they may do a skin test to confirm. If you have a severe skin reaction, they may also do some blood tests to check how your internal organs are working and to learn more about the allergy.
But remember, not all medications can be tested for this skin test. Sometimes it can be dangerous to do so. If you have had a severe, life-threatening reaction to a medication, your doctor will never give you that medication again. They will prescribe an alternative medication.
How do you treat an allergy?
The first goal is to control your symptoms.
- Antihistamines and sometimes corticosteroids may be prescribed for symptoms such as skin rashes, eczema, and itching.
- If there is a cough and lung congestion, bronchodilators (inhalers) that widen the airways may be given.
- In severe cases such as anaphylaxis , an injection of epinephrine should be administered immediately. There are devices such as the EpiPen for this. Even if the injection is given and the symptoms subside, the patient should definitely be taken to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Sometimes, doctors use a process called desensitization . This involves injecting the body with a very small dose of the drug you are allergic to (such as penicillin) and gradually increasing the dose. Over time, the body's immune system becomes accustomed to the drug. However, this method is only used if there are no other alternatives for the disease.
If I have an allergy, how can I be prepared?
If you know you have an allergy to a certain medication, be sure to be careful about these things.
1. Remember the name of the medicine: Remember both the brand name of the allergy medicine and the generic name of the main drug in it. For example, Panadol is the brand name, Paracetamol is the generic name.
2. Inform every healthcare provider: Tell your doctor, dentist, or surgeon about your allergy before you receive any treatment.
3. Wear an identification tag: Keep a card in your purse that lists your allergies. If possible, wearing a special bracelet or pendant that mentions it can be very important in an emergency.
4. Be prepared for emergencies: If you have a history of severe allergies, your doctor may prescribe an emergency medication, such as an EpiPen. If so, always carry two EpiPens and learn how to use them properly.
Take-Home Message
- If you experience skin irritation, itching, or swelling after taking a medication, it could be an allergy. Don't panic, but inform your doctor about it.
- If severe symptoms (anaphylaxis) such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or blueness occur, it is an emergency. Immediately take the patient to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU).
- Make a note of the exact names of the medications you are allergic to (both brand name and the name of the main drug). Tell every doctor and dentist you see about it.
- "Side effects" and "allergies" are two different things. Talk to your doctor about the difference between the two and be well-informed.
- If you have been prescribed an EpiPen, always keep it with you and be well-versed in the correct way to use it.
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