Medications contain powerful drugs that work to help you fight infections and other such issues. Because everyone is different, some people react differently than others to the same drugs. Interestingly, people typically have an adverse reaction to a medication the second time they take a drug rather than the first. Thus, you may not even be aware that you have a drug allergy. However, once you do learn of your problem, it is important to always let your physician know about the allergy before he or she prescribes you a medicine that proves to be more harmful than helpful.

An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system actually overreacts to a drug. Sometimes caused hypersensitivity, a person can develop this problem through things such as a longtime exposure to a drug, large doses of the chemical, intravenous injection, and a predilection to develop allergies.

There are “families” of drugs that all encompass one main component, basically an active ingredient.

Some drugs cause allergic reactions more commonly than others, including:

• Analgesics – codeine, morphine, NSAIDs, aspirin
• Antibiotics – sulfa, penicillin, tetracycline
• Antiseizures – phenytoin, carbamazepine

Even though you may not be having an allergic reaction to a topical medication, the skin often gives hints that a drug is not reacting well with your body. If you are having an allergic reaction to a drug, you may notice that you develop a rash, hives, sensitivity to sunlight, erythema multiforme. Erythema multiforme describes the condition of red, raised patches of skin which are often itchy and may occur with swelling of the face and/or tongue.

Internally, the overreaction of your immune system to a drug can cause the following:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Kidney inflammation
• Muscle/joint aches

Additionally, one very serious part of an allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock. This can happen gradually or quickly, but you must go to the emergency room to save yourself from the death that can occur as a result of anaphylactic shock.

Signs that you are going into anaphylaxis include hives, difficulty breathing, light-headedness, rapid heart beat or arrhythmia, and swelling of the face or extremities.

Sometimes, neither a doctor nor you can predict the way in which you will react to a medication. However, if a physician does not acknowledge a known allergen or does not handle your reaction properly, it can result in serious health issues and even death. If you or someone you know has had a medication prescribed improperly, this may count as medical malpractice. You should speak to a lawyer today about your options.