Drug Allergy : Symptoms and Causes
A drug allergy is not the same as a drug side effect. A side effect is a known possible reaction to a medicine. Side effects to medicines are listed on their drug labels. A drug allergy also is different from drug toxicity. Drug toxicity is caused by an overdose of medicine. A drug allergy is the reaction of the immune system to a medicine. Any medicine — nonprescription, prescription or herbal — can provoke a drug allergy. However, a drug allergy is more likely with certain medicines. Symptoms of drug allergy : Symptoms of a serious drug allergy often occur within an hour after taking a drug. Other reactions, particularly rashes, can occur hours, days or weeks later. Drug allergy symptoms may include - ✓ Skin rash ✓ Hives ✓ Itching ✓ Fever ✓ Swelling ✓ Shortness of breath ✓ Wheezing ✓ Runny nose ✓ Itchy, watery eyes • Other symptoms resulting from drug allergy - Less common drug allergy reactions happen days or weeks after exposure to a drug and may persist for some time after yo...
