Drug Allergy Care
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates and manages drug allergies in children and adults. Our physicians identify the medication involved and work with patients on a safe plan for future care.
What Is Drug Allergy?
A drug allergy is an adverse reaction to a medication caused by the immune system. The immune system mistakenly identifies a drug or one of its components as harmful and responds against it. This can happen with prescription medications, over-the-counter products, or substances used during medical procedures.
Drug allergies are different from drug side effects. A side effect is a known, expected reaction to a medication that occurs in patients who take it, such as an upset stomach after a certain drug. An allergic reaction is not a predictable effect of the drug itself; it results from the immune system's response to the substance.
Our physicians evaluate both children and adults who report a reaction to a medication. An accurate diagnosis helps distinguish a true allergy from a side effect or another type of reaction, which affects how future care is managed.
Symptoms
Drug allergy symptoms can appear in both children and adults and range from mild to severe.
Rashes or Hives
Red, itchy patches or raised welts on the skin are among the most common signs of a drug allergy in both children and adults.
Swelling
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat can occur and should be evaluated promptly.
Difficulty Breathing
Wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tight feeling in the chest can signal a more serious allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis
In severe cases, a drug allergy can trigger anaphylaxis, a whole-body reaction that requires emergency medical attention.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a drug allergy involves a combination of history and testing.
Patient History
The physician reviews the medications taken, the timing of the reaction, and the symptoms experienced. A detailed history is often the starting point for evaluating a suspected drug allergy in children and adults.
Skin Testing
Skin testing can be used for certain drugs to help identify whether an allergic response is present.
Graded Oral Challenges
Where appropriate, a graded oral challenge may be performed under medical supervision to confirm or rule out a drug allergy.
Blood Testing
Blood testing may also be used as part of the evaluation, depending on the medication involved and the patient's history.
Management
Managing a drug allergy is an ongoing process for both children and adults.
Identifying the Offending Drug
The first step in managing a drug allergy is identifying the specific medication responsible for the reaction.
Alternative Medications
Once the offending drug is identified, the physician can recommend alternative medications for the patient's condition.
Carrying Emergency Medication
Patients with a history of severe drug allergy reactions may be advised to carry emergency medication in case of accidental exposure.
Keeping an Accurate Allergy List
It is important to maintain an accurate, up-to-date list of drug allergies. This list should be shared with every healthcare provider involved in a patient's care, including specialists, pharmacists, and emergency personnel. An accurate list helps prevent accidental exposure to a medication that has caused a reaction in the past.
What to Bring
Preparing for your appointment helps your visit go smoothly.
Insurance Card
Bring your current insurance card to your appointment.
Current Medication List
Bring a list of all medications you currently take, including over-the-counter products.
Referral, If Required
Bring any referral required by your insurance plan.
New patient forms can be completed ahead of time to save time at check-in.
View Patient FormsSchedule a Drug Allergy Evaluation
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. sees children and adults for drug allergy evaluation at four New Jersey offices, with Saturday hours available for added convenience.