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Drug Allergy and Intolerances
Get to know which drugs can cause allergic reactions, what symptoms to look for, and what treatments can help.
A drug allergy is caused by an immune response to a particular medication. Some drug allergies carry a risk of “allergic shock” or anaphylaxis if the medication is taken again. There are other types of immune reactions that carry different risks. Skin rashes are common in many types of drug allergies. It is extremely important to know which drugs cause these reactions and there are tests to determine your risk.
What to expect at your visit
- 1A thorough consultationYour history, triggers, and what has and hasn't helped — with a board-certified allergist, not a questionnaire.
- 2Testing when it adds claritySkin or blood testing is scheduled after the consultation, so we can tell you exactly how to prepare.
- 3A plan you can followAvoidance, medication, or immunotherapy — explained plainly, with follow-up built in.
Frequently asked questions
What are the drug allergy symptoms?
- Swelling - Hives - Anaphylaxis - Itching - Wheezing or other breathing problems
What are the common triggers of drug allergies?
- Antibiotics such as penicillin - Drugs that contain sulfonamides - Anticonvulsants - Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Chemotherapy drugs
How to diagnose drug allergy?
- Skin test (accurate only for penicillin) - Drug challenge