Can You Be Allergic To Allergy Meds

Can You Be Allergic To Thyroid Medication

• How to know if you are allergic or sensitive to your thyroid medication

â

Medications usually contain other products besides the active ingredients to help them. Fillers are inactive ingredients that play an important role in ensuring the drug is consistent and reproducible. They also help your body absorb the medication more efficiently. The amount of active ingredients is often too small to be contained in a pill or capsule, so fillers also help make the drug manageable in size. But sometimes, these ingredients cause sensitivities or even allergic reactions. Hereâs what you should know about having an allergy to the thyroid medication you take for hypothyroidism.

What Are The Differences Between Side Effects And A Drug Allergy

A drug allergy only affects certain people. It always involves the immune system and it always causes negative effects.

However, a side effect might occur in any person taking a drug. Also, it typically does not involve the immune system. A side effect is any action of the drug harmful or helpful that doesnt relate to the drugs main job.

For instance, aspirin, which is used to treat pain, often causes the harmful side effect of stomach upset. However, it also has the helpful side effect of reducing your risks of heart attack and stroke. Acetaminophen , which is also used for pain, can also cause liver damage. And nitroglycerin, which is used to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow, may improve mental function as a side effect.

What About Antihistamines In Cold And Flu Medications

What many people may not know is that cold and flu medicines marketed to treat runny nose and sneezing usually include first-generation antihistamines the more sedating types. Thats because they are often better at treating cold symptoms and drying up runny nose than the newer types.

Because of their sedating effect, cold medicines with antihistamines are labeled for nighttime use. Take this labeling seriously, as some include medications like doxylamine that are more sedating than others. Check labels for dosages, as well, as these may vary, even within brands.

More is not better read labels carefully and take only as recommended. Dont supplement a multi-symptom cold medication with another single-ingredient antihistamine.

Don’t Miss: Does Zyrtec Help With Itchy Skin

Allergy Medication For Toddlers

Allergy medications are not recommended for use in children under the age of two years without out the advice of a physician. In this group, mild symptoms can be managed using non-drug methods such as saline spray for a stuffy or dry nose and/or a vaporizer/humidifier for congestion. If the allergy is in the form of a rash, emollient creams may offer some relief. For more severe allergy symptoms widespread rash, wheezing, red, watery eyes parents should consult a pediatrician.

If Your Child Has A Food Allergy What Else Should You Think About

Talk to your child’s teachers and caregivers. They should know how to keep problem foods away from your child. Teach them what to do if your child eats one of these foods by mistake.

If your child has ever had a severe reaction, keep epinephrine nearby at all times. Some kids carry their kit in a fanny pack. Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet. Teach all caregivers to act quickly. They should:

• Know the signs of a severe reaction.
• Know how to give an epinephrine shot.

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

• Allergies: Giving Yourself an Epinephrine Shot

Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Cause Lost Voice

Symptoms Of Allergies And Adverse Effects To Medication In Dogs

Symptoms of medication allergy and adverse reactions vary quite a bit and can be mistaken for many other disorders or illnesses, but if any of these symptoms happen after giving your dog medication, it is probably an adverse or allergic reaction.

• Anaphylactic shock
• Diarrhea
• Licking and biting fur and skin
• Red rash anywhere on the body
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes

Types

No matter what gender, age, or breed your dog is, they can have an allergy or adverse reaction to any kind of medication. However, some dogs are more susceptible than others and some medications are more commonly reported as allergens:

• Dogs over six months of age
• Bulldogs

Use A Hepa Air Purifier

Regular and good vacuuming is mandatory when it comes to rugs and carpets, or any other similar objects. But what about the air in the house? Is there any floating in the air? Long story short, yes. There are always allergens floating in the air. In this case, HEPA air purifiers can help you and reduce allergens floating around.

You need to think carefully here and to find the best air purifier for pets because you will keep your HEPA air purifier in the area where your pet hangs out the most. Also, this should help cut back on your allergy symptoms as well.

Read Also: Non Drowsy Itch Medicine

Research For New Treatments

Food oral immunotherapy is being studied as a way to help treat food allergies. Under close supervision, a person would take in small daily doses of a food allergen in the mouth or under the tongue. The goal is to try to make the immune system tolerate the allergen so that the body won’t react as badly to it. This is called desensitization. Talk to your doctor if you want to know more about clinical trials for this and other new treatments being studied.

Drug Allergy To Local Anesthetics

True allergic reactions to local anesthetics are extremely rare and are usually due to other ingredients in the medication, such as preservatives or epinephrine.

If you think you have had a reaction to local anesthetics, evaluation by an allergist can help you determine whether you need to avoid these anesthetics in the future.

You May Like: What Allergy Medicine Is Stronger Than Zyrtec

How Are Allergies Treated

Although avoiding the allergen is an important treatment approach, it usually doesnt completely end the allergic reaction.

Medications such as antihistamines , decongestants , or a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, are used to treat your allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays such as topical nasal steroids , cromolyn sodium, and topical nasal antihistamines also can be used to treat allergy symptoms.

Asthma medications, which reduce allergy symptoms, include:

• Inhaled bronchodilators.
• Oral anti-leukotrienes .
• Injected medications, such as omalizumab , dupilumab , reslizumab , benralizumab , or Mepolizumab .

Immunotherapy or allergy oral immunotherapy is recommended if your symptoms arent adequately controlled with a combination of avoidance measures and regular medication use. This shot has been shown to be effective in properly selected patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma.

Another treatment option is saline irrigation using a sinus rinse kit. These rinse kits are sold over-the-counter or can be made at home. To make your own rinse, combine one-half teaspoon non-iodinated salt with one-half teaspoon baking soda in eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. This mixture rinses out allergens and decreases the amount of inflammation they cause.

Be Smart Be Aware Of Allergy Medication Side Effects

Smart use of allergy medications knowing how they treat symptoms, being aware of potential unwanted side effects and, most important, monitoring their effect on you and your health is just one step toward controlling allergy and cold symptoms. Even more important: knowing what you are allergic to and taking steps to prevent or reduce exposure.

If your allergy symptoms tend to last longer than two weeks or are not adequately controlled with over-the-counter medications, schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist for a full diagnosis.

Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are intended for symptom relief. If antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids are causing side effects such as drowsiness or other problems, there are other treatment options your doctor can offer you, such as allergen immunotherapy.

Reviewed by Dennis Williams, PharmD

8229 Boone Blvd, Suite 260, Vienna, VA 22182

Don’t Miss: Claritin Plus Benadryl

If You Are Allergic To An Ingredient In A Covid

If you have had a severe allergic reaction or an immediate allergic reactioneven if it was not severeto any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines .

If you have had a severe allergic reaction or an immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in Johnson & Johnsons Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get the J& J/Janssen vaccine.

If you arent able to get one type of COVID-19 vaccine because you are allergic to an ingredient in that vaccine, ask your doctor if you should get a different type of COVID-19 vaccine. Learn about the different types of COVID-19 vaccines.

Are Allergies Worse In Childhood Or Adulthood

Per the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and 2013 data, 28 million kids across the United States have allergies. As many as 50 million adults may get reactions to allergens as well.

While more adults have allergies in the United States than children, is there an age group that has it worse? Research that appeared in a 2012 article at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Massachusetts suggests that adults may be the most at risk for intense, serious symptoms. Adult behaviors such as taking certain medications and drinking alcohol may increase risk for severe anaphylaxis. Exercise and having asthma can also increase reaction severity. Of course, young children who cannot communicate symptoms can also have severe reactions which go unnoticed and progress to dangerous levels.

A severe allergic reaction, which can be triggered by foods or venom , is called anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening emergency condition in which the patient goes into shock, cannot breathe, and may have vomiting, nausea, and skin rashes. Anaphylaxis can occur instantaneously or sometimes minutes after eating an allergen or being stung. Epinephrine can control cases of anaphylaxis that are caught immediately. The longer the patient goes without treatment, the greater the likelihood that death can occur. For this reason patients with a history of severe anaphylaxis are encouraged to always have an in date epinephrine injector available.

You May Like: Zyrtec Pills

Read Also: What Allergy Medicine Is Stronger Than Zyrtec

Are You Truly Allergic To That Medication

Why is it important to distinguish between a drug allergy and drug intolerance?

If you have a medication listed as an allergy, physicians will be hesitant to prescribe it and pharmacists to dispense it for fear that it could jeopardize your health when in reality it may be the best medication to treat your condition.

So what is a drug allergy?

A drug allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as a harmful substance, similar to how it attacks invading viruses or bacteria. When your immune system fights back, a series of chemical steps in the body produce an allergic reaction to the medication.

The first time you take a medication, you may have no complications. However if your immune system is sensitive to the medication, it will produce antibodies. The next time you take the medication the antibodies tell your body to produce a chemical substance called histamine, which creates the allergy symptoms.

Drug allergies can range from minor skin rashes and hives to rare serious reactions. Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, while rare, is the most dangerous drug reaction. Symptoms include hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or mouth, rapid heartbeat, and feeling very lightheaded. This reaction usually appears within one hour after you take the medicine and could be fatal without emergency care.

So what is a drug intolerance and how does it differ from a drug allergy?

Drug intolerances can be either avoided or made less severe.

Recovery Of Allergies And Adverse Effects To Medication In Dogs

If there are no complications, your dog should show improvement right away. The itching may take several days to several months to dissipate, but if it gets better and then returns you need to call the veterinarian. Also, you must be vigilant in protecting your dog from allergens for the rest of his or her life. Always read the ingredients in foods, treats, bones, medications, shampoos, and anything else that goes in or on your dog. Keep a list of your dogs known allergens with you at all times in case you need it right away. Make sure your veterinarian knows about the allergies as should any caretaker for your pet. As always, call your veterinarian if you have questions.

*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.

Allergies and Adverse Effects to Medication Average Cost

From 386 quotes ranging from $200 – $500

Average Cost

Read Also: Nighttime Sniffling Sneezing

How To Take Antihistamines

Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines:

• Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control
• Only when you have symptoms
• Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants

For many people with allergies, symptoms are the worst around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.

How To Treat A Reaction

If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine, always keep it with you. It’s important to give the epinephrine shot right away. Your doctor or pharmacist will teach you how to give yourself a shot. Be sure to check the expiration dates on the medicines, and replace the medicines as needed.

For step-by-step instructions on how to give the shot, see:

You should also wear a medical alert bracelet or other jewellery that lists your food allergies.

You May Like: Mucinex Allergies

What Foods Most Often Cause A Food Allergy

A few foods cause most allergies. The protein in a food that causes an allergy is called a food allergen. The most common food allergies according to Health Canada are:

• Eggs
• Tree Nuts
• Wheat

If you are allergic to one food, you may also be allergic to other foods like it. So if you are allergic to shrimp, you may also be allergic to lobster or crab.

Can I Take My Prescription Antihistamine With Other Medicines

You shouldnt take prescription antihistamines if you also are taking certain other prescription medicines. These include erythromycin or certain medicines used to treat fungal infections. These include itraconazole or ketoconazole. When your doctor gives you a prescription, always ask if its safe to use with the other medicines youre taking. Your pharmacist can also tell you what is safe to take. If you arent sure, ask the pharmacist or your doctor before taking another medicine.

Also Check: Loratadine For Itching

Cigarette Smoke Allergy Test

Allergy tests can be performed in an allergists office. If you do not know how to find an allergist, look for an office that specializes in ear, nose, and throat health and ask them if they perform allergy testing.

In most cases, a tobacco-smoke allergy test will actually test for allergies to the chemicals in cigarettes. A clinician will apply small drops of different allergens to parts of your skin and wait to see which allergens produce a reaction on your skin.

Allergies to tobacco products can be managed in the same fashion that other allergies are managed: with medication and avoidance.

Common over-the-counter remedies for tobacco allergies include throat lozenges and decongestants.

Nonetheless, avoidance is better than any medicine.

Here are a few tips for minimizing your exposure to tobacco products that may cause an allergic reaction for you:

• Stop smoking.

Which Type Is Best

There’s not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms.

Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.

Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they’re less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.

Ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone.

Also Check: What Allergy Medicine Is Stronger Than Zyrtec

The Difference Between A Drug Allergy And Sensitivity

People often use allergy and sensitivity interchangeably. But these are two very different responses that need defining.

Allergies

An allergy is a reaction to something outside of your body that triggers an immune response. Usually, an allergy results from an immunoglobulin E mediated reaction. IgEâs are antibodies that cause your body to react when exposed to an allergen immediately. This immediate immune response causes histamine to be released, which can lead to several severe symptoms, including:

• Hives and itching
• Airway constriction, wheezing, and shortness of breath
• Swelling
• Vomiting and diarrhea

This type of reaction can sometimes lead to anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Sensitivities

A sensitivity is also sometimes called an intolerance. This type of response from the body is usually because your body cannot break down specific proteins in foods or additives in medicine. Typically, people develop a sensitivity if they:

• Do not have the proper enzymes to break down particular proteins, such as the lactase enzyme necessary to break down lactose,
• Are sensitive to caffeine and other chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, or
• They are sensitive to sugars that are naturally in certain types of food.

The most common types of sensitivities occur with food. Not surprisingly, most of the symptoms associated with a sensitivity occur in your digestive system. These symptoms include:

• Cramping

How Can I Be Prepared

If you know you have a drug allergy, memorize the name of that drug, both brand names and generic name. Tell all your health care providers before you get any type of treatment, including dental care.

Itâs also a good idea to carry a card or wear a special bracelet or pendant that identifies your allergy, in case of emergency.

Know what to do if you have an allergic reaction. If your doctor prescribes medication for emergencies, like an EpiPen, make sure you always carry two and you know how to use it.

Recommended Reading: What Allergy Medicine Is Stronger Than Zyrtec