Drug Allergy

Discovering that you have a drug allergy can be overwhelming. Fortunately, board-certified allergist-immunologist Thomas Fowler, MD, provides effective care at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina in Prosper, Texas, to help you navigate the challenges of medication allergies. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about drug allergies.

What is a drug allergy?

Drug allergies are adverse reactions to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescriptions, or dietary supplements. You can develop an allergy to any drug at any time. 

Identifying drug allergies is essential to protect yourself against severe symptoms, such as hives, digestive discomfort, and itching. Without a proper diagnosis, you may not know which medications you can safely take.

Dr. Fowler diagnoses and treats all drug allergies at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina. After comprehensive allergy testing, he can develop an individualized treatment plan that minimizes your symptoms.

What are the signs of a drug allergy?

Drug allergies can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Redness
• Itching
• Hives
• Facial swelling
• Blisters
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

A drug allergy can also lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening symptom that can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. 

What are the most common types of drug allergies?

Many OTC and prescription drugs can trigger allergy symptoms, including:

• Penicillin antibiotics
• Aspirin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Sulfamethoxazole
• Neuromuscular blocking agents
• Chemotherapy
• Insulin

Penicillin is one of the most commonly diagnosed drugs, but many people diagnosed with this specific allergy are not actually allergic. Dr. Fowler performs comprehensive testing to determine whether patients are allergic to penicillin. If your test returns negative results, he may investigate your symptoms to ascertain whether you have another allergy.

How is a drug allergy diagnosed?

Dr. Fowler performs an array of tests at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina to diagnose allergies. Common tests he may administer include:

• Skin prick test
• Intradermal test
• Blood test
• Patch test

Along with multiple types of allergy testing, Dr. Fowler performs a head-to-toe physical exam and reviews your medical history.

How is a drug allergy treated?

If you have a drug allergy, Dr. Fowler may recommend a combination of the following treatments to prevent complications:

• Trigger avoidance
• Corticosteroids
• Allergy shots
• Allergy sublingual drops
• Antihistamines

You may also need epinephrine, a type of adrenaline, to stabilize your blood pressure and relax your airways if you have emergency symptoms of a drug allergy.

Call Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about drug allergies.