What you can do:

• Inform all health care providers, including dentists, about any drug reactions you have had.
• Learn the names of all drugs that have caused a reaction. Be aware that other drugs in the same class may also cause reactions. DO NOT take these medicines as well.
• Read labels on all nonprescription drugs and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain about ingredients.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant that indicates all drug hypersensitivities. For more information about Medic Alert @ 1800-825-3785.
• Have an anaphylaxis kit available for emergencies. It is best if everyone in the family knows how to use it.

What you can expect:

• Many reactions cause no long-term problems.
• Possible complications include death from severe anaphylaxis or disability for many months of serum sickness (a special type of reaction that includes joint inflammation, fever, and nerve damage).

Contact your doctor if symptoms of drug hypersensitivity occur.

Seek immediate medical assistance for symptoms of a severe reaction. This can be life threatening!