About this topic
An adverse drug reaction is effects of a drug that may not be wanted and may be harmful. It may be a new problem or a known side effect of the drug. You may have a reaction because of how your body handles the drug you are taking. ‚
Any drug can cause a reaction. You may have a problem with a drug that your doctor orders or with a drug that you buy over the counter. A drug reaction can happen at any time during treatment. A drug allergy is one kind of adverse drug reaction. A drug allergy is an overreaction of your immune system to the drug. ‚
An adverse reaction may happen right away after you take a dose or after you have been taking the drug for a long time. It can even happen after you stop taking the drug. The reaction can be mild or more serious. A mild reaction may cause an upset stomach. A very bad reaction may damage your liver or kidneys. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are at a higher risk for an adverse drug reaction if you take more than one drug at a time. Your risk is also higher if you are not sure of how much of each drug to take. This can lead to a drug error. Some illnesses may affect how well your body handles drugs. ‚
What are the main signs?
It may be hard to know if your signs are caused by an illness or a drug. Talk with your doctor about all of your signs, especially if you are feeling worse. ‚
Some adverse drug reactions you might notice: ‚
- Headache
- Belly problems like upset stomach, stools that are too hard or too soft
- Dizziness
- Feeling sleepy or drowsy
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Joint pain
Also watch for signs of a drug allergy, such as: ‚
- Rash or itching
- Hives
- Swelling, especially of the tongue, lips, eyes, face
- Feeling dizzy
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
If you are having trouble breathing or you have swelling of your tongue or face, call your doctor or local Emergency Room right away. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will treat your reaction based on your signs and your illness. You may be told to stop the drug or take a different drug. The reaction may go away on its own. The doctor may give you some other drug to treat the reaction. Sometimes, you may need to stay in the hospital if it is a very serious reaction. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to treat the signs caused by the adverse drug reaction. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take drugs only when your doctor tells you to do so.
- Take drugs only when needed.
- Carefully read the label on the drug. Take as directed on the label. Make sure you understand the directions. If you do not understand, ask to talk with the pharmacist.
- Make sure you take the right dose of a drug. Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a medicine spoon, or a cup from your pharmacist.
- If you are not sure how much drug to take, do not guess. Ask your pharmacist or doctor how much to take.
- Never take someone elses drug.
- Keep track of the time when you take a drug. Make sure you know when the last dose was taken.
- Put the cap back on all drugs. Store them out of reach of children and pets.
- Use only one pharmacy for all your drugs.
- If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.
Helpful tips
Anytime you are to take a new drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions: ‚
- How will this drug help?
- How much drug do I take?
- How often will I take this drug?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- How long will I be taking this drug?
- Are there special directions for taking this drug?
- Could certain foods or alcohol cause a problem with this drug?
- Are there side effects from this drug?
- What should I do if I have side effects?
Tell your doctor about: ‚
- All of the drugs you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
- Any problems you have had with any drugs in the past.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/medications-and-drug-allergic-reactions.aspx ‚
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‚
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=524 ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/drugs-procedures-devices/prescription-medicines/drug-reactions.html ‚
U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm096391.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚