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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Skin rashes. Nausea. Swelling. Sometimes medications can lead to unpleasant or unexpected reactions. If this happens to you, you may wonder if you’re experiencing a drug side effect or an allergic reaction.
It’s an important question to ask.
If a medication side effect is miscategorized as an allergy, your doctor or nurse will put a flag in your medical record. This will alert caregivers not to prescribe any medications in that class, which can limit treatment options. So it’s important to know what is causing the reaction.
What’s the difference between drug side effects and drug allergies?
- Side effects are unpleasant reactions to a drug. Potential side effects will be listed on the medication label. They can also be found with an online search. Examples include feeling bloated or mild nausea.
- Allergies are abnormal reactions to a drug caused by your immune system. Reactions are often more severe than side effects. They may include skin rash, nausea, vomiting or throat swelling.
You might be at an increased risk of drug allergies if you:
- Have other allergies, like food allergies or hay fever
- Have family members with drug allergies
- Take a high dose or the same medication for a long time
- Have HIV or the Epstein-Barr virus
How to tell if it’s a side effect or allergy
If you do have a reaction to a medication, track your symptoms. Write down when they occur and how long it’s been since taking the medication. Then share this information with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some medications can cause both allergic reactions and side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can determine which you’re experiencing and find a treatment that will work for you.