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Differences Between Allergies and Side Effects

ALLERGY

SIDE EFFECT

QUESTIONS TO ASK

What is it?

Abnormal immune reaction

Undesired secondary effect of a drug

Body mistakes the medicine for a harmful substance

Part of the drug’s known properties that occur a certain amount of the time

What causes it?

• Hives, rash, fever, swelling, difficulty breathing, itching, dizziness, vomiting, runny nose • Shortness of breath

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Varies for each medicine • GI symptoms – nausea, upset stomach

Is it serious?

Can be life-threatening

Mild to very serious

• Varies from 1 hour to a few weeks • It may not happen the first time you take a medicine, but after taking it several times later.

When does it happen?

• Varies from 1 hour to a few weeks • A lower dose may relieve symptoms

• Antibiotics • Pain relievers • Chemotherapy drugs • Autoimmune disease drugs • History of other allergies • Family history of drug allergy • Prolonged use • High doses • HIV or Epstein-Barr disease

Which common types of medicines cause it?

All medications have potential for side effects

• Elderly • Children • Pregnant women • Patients with immune diseases

What are the risk factors and who can it affect?

What should I do?

Understand a drug’s side effects Report any new symptom

• Alert all providers of your allergies • Wear a bracelet

Tell your nurse if you have: • Difficulty breathing • Shortness of breath • Wheezing • Light-headedness • Vomiting

• Fever • Hives • Increased itching or rash • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat • Runny nose

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Your Hospital Stay