Is it possible to suffer from drug allergies? Drugs are designed to improve our state of health, and help us fight diseases of all kinds. However, the body is not always prepared to assimilate certain treatments.
By reading the prospectus of ourprescribed medication, we can find possible side effects, whether of a general nature, or with very little probability of being suffered. But... why do we suffer them?
In this article we will explain how to detect an allergy to a medication, and how to act in this type of situation.
What is medication allergy?
It is important to understand that drug allergies are always generated by our own immune system. It is a reaction caused by an extreme sensitivity to certain substances, which under normal conditions should not alter our state of health.
Even though the medication is intended for health purposes,Not everyone is compatible with some chemicals or materials that we can find in drugs as common as aspirin.
Allergy, side effects, or unwanted interaction?
It is very common to confuse these three terms, and to assume that possible adverse reactions during medical treatment are expected side effects.
Without proper follow-up, this error can have a negative impact on our long-term health. Therefore, we explain their main differences, so that you can easily identify each situation.
- Side effects:Whenever we are prescribed a new drug, it is vitally important to read the package insert and understand the indications for the medication, as well as the possible effects it may cause. Generally, you will be able to distinguish those that are more common from those that are not. Besides, The leaflet usually indicates under which situations it is important to see a doctor.
When we detect an adverse reaction that does not correspond to the information offered in the leaflet,Possibly we are talking about an allergy to the medication, or unwanted interaction.
- Unwanted interaction:certain foodsand even drugs are incompatible with following medical treatment. These can alter the way a medication acts in the body, and even nullify its effect, as happens with alcohol.
What are the symptoms of drug allergies?
The first symptoms of allergy to the medication do not usually appear until at least an hour after consumption. When we stop taking this medication, most of the effects disappear quickly.
Some of the symptoms of medication allergy are usually:
- Urticaria
- Soft tissue swelling(tongue, lips, eyelids...)
- Rash
- Itchy skin or eyes
However, certain allergies to medication can lead to anaphylaxis. What is anaphylaxis? This is a rare and very dangerous medication allergy, which can appear even some time after coming into contact with the drug.
The main signs of suffering from anaphylaxis are:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Vomiting, diarrhea and cramps
- Skin reactions and swelling in soft areas,as happens with allergies
- Difficulty breathing, and increased nasal discharge
- Feeling of tightness and pain in the chest
If you suspect that you are suffering from anaphylaxis, it is very important to seek medical help urgently.
Tests to detect allergies to medical treatment
If you think you may be allergic to any drug, it is important to notify your doctor so that he or she can review the treatment, and record this situation in your medical record. It is recommended that you carry the medication packaging with you, and even the leaflet, if you have it.
To confirm that you suffer from an allergy to a medication, you will undergo skin tests or blood tests, which will confirm if you really suffer from it.
How to treat an allergic reaction to a medication?
Some allergies can carry great risks, especially if we ignore their adverse effects and we are under long-term medical treatment.
In the case of older people, this danger increases, since they sometimes confuse their intakes, consuming their medications in a disorderly manner, and may suffer ainvoluntary overdose.
Therefore, it is advisable to use reliable medication organization systems that help follow medical treatment in a simple way. An example of this is the SPD system, which, thanks to IMA Health, you can receive at your doorstep at no additional cost.
IMA Health helps you organize your medication
In short, knowing our body, and how it reacts to certain drugs, can help us establish a medical treatment adapted to our needs.
To help you follow up on medical treatment, IMA Health helps you find those pharmacies that provide medication for you free of charge, and without you having to worry about preparing the medication again.
To obtain IMA Health service,you can click here, or call one of their advisors at 93 271 55 36.
Get to know IMA Health
Disclaimer: At IMA we offer advice and information about our products. Consult with an expert before making any decision that may affect