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Medication allergy
Some people are allergic to some medications. Their bodies sense the drug as harmful and make antibodies to it. The antibodies bind to the drug to rid it from the body. That's a problem, because clumps of drug-bound antibody travel can harm body tissues or interfere with normal body function as they travel through the bloodstream.
Allergic reactions to drugs are often limited, causing skin rashes. But they can also cause problems in the kidneys, liver, joints, and blood. Some are severe enough to be deadly.
If you think you are having an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. The most severe type of allergic reaction is anaphylactic shock. This is a life-threatening problem in which blood pressure drops and your airways become so narrow that you can't breathe. It requires emergency treatment.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): What to know if you have diabetes or prediabetes or are at risk for these conditions
What could be causing your blurry vision?
Avocado nutrition: Health benefits and easy recipes
Swimming lessons save lives: What parents should know
Preventing and treating iliotibial (IT) band syndrome: Tips for pain-free movement
Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health
What can magnesium do for you and how much do you need?
Dry socket: Preventing and treating a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction
What happens during sleep — and how to improve it
How is metastatic prostate cancer detected and treated in men over 70?
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