Act quickly if you have a bad reaction to medicine

Having a negative reaction from taking a medication can be very frustrating as the medicine is supposed to help us feel better; not give us new problems. Many drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause adverse side effects, and certain medicines can trigger allergic reactions. 

An allergic reaction happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as if it were a harmful substance, instead of a helpful remedy. To fight it, the body releases chemicals, which result in the signs and symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. Signs of a drug allergy include hives, rash, itching, fever, facial swelling and even anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. 

Drug allergies are tricky. Many allergic reactions start within minutes of taking a drug. However, it’s possible to develop an allergic reaction to a medication after you’ve been on it for up to several weeks. In addition, you can have an allergic reaction to a drug anytime you take it, even if it caused no reaction in the past. 

Drug allergy and non-allergic drug reactions, also called adverse reactions, are often confused because they can cause similar symptoms. 

Experiencing side effects, such as nausea, vomitting and diarrhoea, may not be true drug allergies involving the immune system. They could just be signs that you’re sensitive to the meditation or not taking it correctly. To be on the safe side, it’s best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any kind of reaction to a drug or if you have any signs or symptoms of a drug allergy. 

Mild allergic reactions are usually treated by stopping the drug and substituting another. Seek emergency treatment for signs of a severe reaction or suspected anaphylaxis after taking a medication such as swelling or tightening of the airways or throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, and lightheadedness. 

It is imperative to act quickly as a reaction can lead to loss of consciousness and even death. 

Once you experience a reaction to a medication, your immune system then usually becomes keyed to react the same way if you take the drug again in the future, which is why it’s so important to note any drug reactions you experience. However, the immune system changes over time, and eventually it’s possible your drug allergy may go away on its own. 

It isn’t clear why some people develop drug allergies or other adverse drug reactions while others don’t. Inherited traits may play a role, along with environmental factors and taking a number of medications over time. 

Drug allergies are often caused by penicillin, antibiotics closely related to penicillin and antibiotics that contain sulfonamides. Antibiotics can also cause non-allergic reactions such as nausea or diarrhoea. 

Drugs that commonly cause non-allergic reactions include aspirin and other pain relievers. In some people, asthmatics for example, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others) and others, can cause breathing trouble, wheezing and hives. Also, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure sometimes cause coughing and swelling of the lips, tongue and face.

The best thing you can do to prevent a drug reaction is to make sure your doctors and pharmacists are aware of any drug reactions you’ve had in the past. This way, we may be better able to identify and help you avoid the medications that cause you problems.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For helpful information, visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm.