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drug allergy

a drug allergy occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen) in a medicine that the person has taken, which triggers an allergic reaction. symptoms include hives or welts, rash, swelling, redness, and blisters.

a drug allergy may also cause serum sickness (characterized by hives, joint pain, fever, and swollen glands), high fever and chills, or anaphylaxis, a severe whole-body (systemic) reaction that can be life-threatening.

penicillin is the most common cause of drug allergies. other medicines that commonly cause allergic reactions include other antibiotics, anesthesia, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

treatment includes not taking the medicine that causes the reaction and taking medicine to relieve symptoms. in severe cases (anaphylaxis), emergency care is needed.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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