Allergic Reaction Or Side Effect?

Drug Allergy?

Or Side Effect?

An allergy means your body sees the medicine as harmful. It rejects the drug with an allergic reaction. This may be mild or strong. It can happen a few hours after you take the drug or not until 2 weeks later. Mild allergy symptoms are: Hives Rash Itchy skin Severe allergy warning signs can include: Swollen face Throat tightness Trouble breathing Light-headed Blisters Reddened skin Whole-body shock with life-threatening low blood pressure

Side effects from drugs can seem like an allergic reaction, but it’s just your body feeling sensitive to a new medication. It shouldn’t be dangerous, although you may feel sick for a while. If you take several drugs for different reasons, you may be more likely to have side effects. You might or might not have problems with a new drug, but the most common ones include: Stomach cramps Ringing in the ears Nausea Lack of energy Muscle aches Hard to sleep Coughing Wheezing Stuffy nose Diarrhea Constipation Easy bruising

Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to expect from the new treatment. You can also find side effects listed on the printout that comes with it and inside the package.

www.webmd.com