Drug Allergy

Drug allergy is defined as a non-predictable adverse drug reaction that is immunologically mediated.

There are several different immunologic mechanisms responsible for the development of drug allergy. Because of differences in each of these mechanisms, the manifestations of drug allergy are varied and can include:

Anaphylaxis
Rash
Hematologic Problems
Kidney Problems
Liver Problems
Lung Problems
Other

Many different classes of medications can be associated with drug allergy. Importantly, reactions to individual medications may encompass multiple different immunologic mechanisms of inflammation.

Depending on the mechanism of drug allergy, treatment options vary and include:

Avoidance of Drug
Induction of Drug Tolerance

Allergists are considered the experts in drug allergy and diagnose this condition by history, exam and tests, if indicated.

The goals in the evaluation of drug allergy are to confirm the presence or absence of allergy to drug, and if confirmed, to discuss potential options in receiving drug, if applicable.

By visiting an allergist, you too can take control of your drug allergy and improve your quality of life.

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions