How to Diagnose Drug Allergies

Allergic reactions are among the most serious side effects of taking a medication. Some of the symptoms of a drug allergy are mild, but you also may suffer a life threatening event. Learn how to diagnose a drug allergy to avoid complications.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Note your symptoms after taking the drug. You may notice a rash, a slight fever or a severe anaphylactic reaction, which involves difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth and tongue. You may not have symptoms of the drug allergy for several days or weeks after taking the initial dose of the medication. You probably won't have an allergic reaction the first time that you take a prescription drug. The reaction usually occurs the second time. So if the reaction comes later on, don't think the drug isn't the cause simply because you've taken it before without incident.

2. Call your doctor or go to the hospital. When you seek medical advice will depend on the severity of the allergic reaction. Tell your doctor your symptoms and when they first occurred.

3. Take a blood test to rule out any other causes of the allergic reaction. Ask your doctor if a skin test can determine if you have an allergy to the medication.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an adverse reaction to medication, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a drug allergy. Other possible causes include a reaction between two different drugs or taking the wrong amount.

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