What are Drug Allergies?
Drug allergies are adverse reactions that occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a medication as harmful and launches an immune response against it. This response can result in a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild skin rashes and itching to severe and life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis.
It’s important to note that drug allergies are distinct from side effects or intolerances, which do not involve the immune system. Common drug allergens include antibiotics (like penicillin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain chemotherapy medications.
Identifying drug allergies is crucial to patient safety, as it informs the board certified allergists at Laguna Allergy to avoid prescribing the allergenic drug and consider alternative treatments to prevent potentially severe reactions.
How Can Laguna Allergy Medical Boutique Help?
At our practice in Aliso Viejo, our board certified allergists provide:
What are Drug Challenges?
This service involves controlled and supervised administration of a small amount of the suspected allergenic medication at our practice in Aliso Viejo. Under the close observation of our board certified allergists, any potential allergic reactions are closely monitored and treated immediately if they occur. Drug challenges can help in two important ways: confirming or ruling out a drug allergy and, if a patient has developed tolerance over time, allowing them to safely use a previously problematic medication.
This process is particularly beneficial when there are no suitable alternatives to the allergenic drug, ensuring that patients receive the most effective and appropriate treatment while minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.
What is Drug Desensitization?
Drug desensitization is a specialized medical procedure designed to help patients with severe drug allergies safely and gradually build tolerance to a medication they need. During the process, you or your child will be administered increasing doses of the allergenic drug in a controlled setting.
This slow and carefully monitored approach allows the immune system to adapt to the drug and reduce its sensitivity, minimizing the risk of an allergic reaction. While not a cure for drug allergies, it enables individuals to temporarily and safely use the necessary medication under close medical supervision.
What is the Skin Prick Test?
The Skin Prick Test can help determine the presence and specific drug allergen responsible for you or your child’s allergic reaction, guiding our board certified allergists in managing and avoiding potential allergens in the future.
Schedule Care for Drug Allergies in Aliso Viejo, CA
Laguna Allergy Medical Boutique is led by Drs. Gillian Bassirpour and Kristen Walters, both board-certified allergists and mothers, with a commitment to providing the utmost quality of care to you and your children. In addition to our comprehensive services, we offer a retail section showcasing products such as specialized pajamas for babies with eczema, childrens’ books on food allergies, and more! For further information on how Laguna Allergy can assist with drug allergies, please click the appointment button below or reach us at 949-287-4900.
