Medicine allergy or side effect

Overview

Severe skin reactions with blisters are rare but serious.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Rash or hives after a medicine
• Rash or reaction after starting a medicine

Less common

• Itching
• Swelling

Look up a symptom: Hives or welts · Itching · Rash · Rash or reaction after starting a medicine

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune reaction or side effect.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Possible complications

• Anaphylaxis

Diagnosis

A clinician reviews the reaction.

Questions you may be asked

• Which medicine, timing

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Allergy testing:

Treatment

Stop and call.

Self-care

• Call your prescriber
• Keep a list of reactions

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an allergist (allergy and asthma doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Education and online support for asthma, allergies, and eczema.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually resolves.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Medicine allergy or side effect