Drug Allergies

Sometimes, patients may have an adverse reaction to the drugs they have been prescribed to treat an illness or injury. These responses are typically caused by drug allergies. Drug allergies plague a good number of people, and among the most common is an allergy to the antibiotic penicillin. Others may suffer from allergies to iodine, sulfa, insulin and anticonvulsants. People who are allergic to medications are instructed to inform their doctors of these conditions prior to being written a prescription. Doctors, on the other hand, are expected to avoid giving their patients medications they know will spur a dangerous response.

Dangers of Drug Allergies

Drug allergies may be quite dangerous to individuals who react severely to the medication. While some people may develop discomforts such as hives or rashes, others may experience severe conditions such as anaphylaxis if their bodies are highly allergic to the substance ingested or injected.

If you are taking a medication and notice any of the following symptoms arise shortly after the first dose, you may have a drug allergy:

• Itchy, red skin
• Development of hives
• Coughing and/or wheezing
• Fever
• Anaphylaxis, which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, inability to breathe, dizziness, a weak or rapid pulse, a drop in blood pressure, heart palpitations, and abdominal pain

If you have been diagnosed with a drug allergy, it is important that you inform each of your physicians about this condition. It is their responsibility to avoid prescribing you any medications that may contain that drug. If they fail to live up to this responsibility, legal action may be warranted.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about drug allergies, contact the Washington medical malpractice lawyers of Fuller & Fuller today at 800-570-4878 to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about your concerns.