Drug allergies: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if a possible drug reaction causes:

   • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or throat tightness
   • Swelling of the tongue or throat
   • Faintness, confusion, collapse, or pale and clammy skin
   • A rapidly worsening reaction affecting breathing or circulation
   • Painful blistering or peeling skin, especially with mouth or eye sores

   Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if prescribed and the symptoms match your emergency plan.

   Call emergency services afterward, even if you begin to feel better.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical assessment for a widespread rash with fever, facial swelling, swollen glands, mouth sores, skin pain, or signs of organ problems such as yellow skin, dark urine, reduced urination, chest pain, or unusual breathlessness.

   Contact a healthcare professional promptly about a new rash, hives, or swelling after starting a medicine, even if you otherwise feel well.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for an old or uncertain allergy label when you have no current symptoms, especially if it limits useful treatment.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Drug allergies. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.