Allergies and Sensitivities

Allergies and sensitivities to medications are different reactions that can occur when the body responds negatively to a drug.

A drug allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly treats a medication as a harmful substance. In response, the immune system triggers an allergic reaction. This can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can be life-threatening.

A drug sensitivity, on the other hand, isn't caused by the immune system. Instead, it happens when a person reacts negatively to a medication because their body doesn't metabolize it properly or reacts in an exaggerated way to a normal dose. This is more of a dose-dependent response, and symptoms are generally less severe than allergies but can still be uncomfortable.

Both allergies and sensitivities can vary in severity and may not appear immediately after taking a drug; some reactions may occur after a few days or longer. If someone suspects they’re having an allergic or sensitive reaction to a medication, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional right away. In some cases, an allergy can become more serious with repeated exposure, so identifying the offending drug and avoiding it in the future is key.