Drug Allergy Overview

DRUG ALLERGY

A drug allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to a drug. A number of drugs can cause an allergic drug, including prescription drugs and OTC. The most common signs of drug allergy are hives, rash or fever. You can have an allergic reaction to medication, although it caused no reaction in the past.

Most drug-related symptoms are not a true drug allergy and does not affect the immune system. Allergic reactions and non-allergic drugs are often confused because they can cause similar symptoms. Each type is called an adverse event and should be checked by a doctor. Some allergic reactions to medications and allergies can be serious or even fatal.