Advanced Allergy & Asthma
Dr. Kumar Patel, MD
Providing Advanced and Personalized Allergy Treatment in over 7 locations in PA, OH and WV!
Drug Allergies
Our team of professionals have years of experience in helping patients manage their drug allergies.Consult us today & stop looking for "drug allergy treatment near me".
Drug Allergy Specialist in Tarentum, PA
Allergic drug reactions, also known as hypersensitivity drug reactions, account for about 15 percent of all adverse drug reactions. The use of an allergy-triggering drug can be hazardous, as patients may develop severe and even life-threatening reactions.
If a drug allergy is suspected, you should stop taking that drug immediately and seek medical assistance. A credentialed allergist/immunologist can determine the severity of your drug allergy and help you in managing this condition.
At Advanced Allergy and Asthma, Dr. Kumar Patel, MD and his team of professionals have years of experience in helping patients manage their drug allergies. The team is instrumental in performing careful testing, as well as providing up-to-date care for adult and pediatric patients with drug allergies. We serve all of western Pennsylvania, as well as some parts of eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia. We can also work with you in scheduling same-day appointments. Call us at (724) 224-5440 or effortlessly request an appointment online!
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FAQs on Drug Allergies:
Why Should I Take a Drug Allergy Test?
Drug allergic reactions can surprise you! In fact, about 20 percent of patients have a negative reaction when they receive medications to which they have "known allergies". Parents should also have their children tested because kids are known to have multiple antibiotic sensitivity.
What are the Symptoms of a Drug Allergy?
The most commonly described reaction to a drug is a rash or blistering. Other signs and symptoms include:
- Tissue swelling
- Abdominal discomfort
- Breathing difficulties
- Dizziness
- Lack of balance
In severe cases, a potentially life-threatening reaction can occur, such as airway swelling, breathing difficulties and chest tightening.
How is a Drug Allergy Tested?
Skin prick testing (i.e. a puncture or scratch test), intradermal testing (i.e. an injection of a small amount of the suspected allergen), and drug provocation challenges (i.e. the controlled administration of a drug) are the primary forms of testing used to look for potential allergies to specific drugs and medications.
Which Drugs Commonly Cause an Allergic Reaction?
Any drug can cause an allergic reaction, but most drug allergies are reported when patients use antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, general or local anesthetics.
Patients should take extra caution when taking these specific drugs:
- Penicillin
- Cotrimoxazole
- Aspirin/NSAIDs
- Amoxicillin
- Erythromycin
- Mefenamic acid
- Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA)
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE)
What Will Happen If I’m Allergic to a Certain Drug?
After conducting a preliminary test to determine the root cause of your allergy, you may be shifted from a generic drug to a more targeted drug; this will continue treat your symptoms but will allow you to take a medicine that is allergen-free. However, it is particularly critical that you always work closely with both an allergist/immunologist and your normal doctors before making any changes to your medications. Additionally, you must always follow their instructions to ensure that medications are fully effective.
If you have developed allergic reactions to certain drugs, or are displaying concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to call Dr. Patel’s offices or request an appointment through the online booking tool. Dr. Kumar Patel and his dedicated team of expert care professionals would be happy to help patients like you in managing your health.