When a medication triggers an allergic reaction, your immune system treats that drug as if it were a harmful invader, even when it isn’t. The symptoms may range from mild to life-threatening. Being aware of the warning signs helps you act quickly and stay safe.

Early and mild signs of a drug allergy often involve the skin and upper airway. You may notice hives (raised, red, itchy spots), a rash, itching, or swelling of the lips, eyelids or face. Watery eyes, runny nose, or sneezing can also occur. Sometimes these appear within minutes of taking the drug; in other cases they may develop hours or days later.

More serious symptoms involve respiratory, cardiovascular or systemic reactions. If the throat or tongue swells, you experience wheezing, trouble breathing, chest tightness or have a sudden drop in blood pressure, this may be the onset of Anaphylaxis — a medical emergency. Additional warning signs may include persistent dizziness, fainting, a rapid pulse, vomiting or diarrhea.

Delayed reactions are less common but important to recognize. Days to weeks after exposure, you might develop fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, changes in liver or kidney function, or a skin eruption that spreads or blisters. These types of reactions may be subtle at first, but carry risk of serious outcomes.

What you should do: If you suspect a drug allergy, stop the medication (only if it is safe to do so) and seek medical attention. If you experience any signs of anaphylaxis — especially respiratory difficulty or collapse — call emergency services right away. Health professionals may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids or epinephrine depending on severity.

Prevention is possible: Keep a record of any drug allergies and share this with your providers. At Thomas DRUGS, our pharmacists are available to review your prescription history and help identify medications that might pose a risk for you. Communicating any known drug allergies before new medications are dispensed helps protect your health. If you have questions about your medications or possible allergic reactions, reach out to us today!