Your Care Instructions

A drug allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to something in a medicine. This causes an allergic reaction. Your child may have:

• Skin problems, such as hives or a rash.
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat.
• Trouble breathing.
• Belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

A reaction can range from mild to life-threatening.

After your child has this reaction to a medicine, he or she may always be allergic to that medicine and to others like it.

Drug allergies are not the same as side effects and drug interactions. Side effects are bad reactions to a medicine. They are not usually serious. Drug interactions are when two or more drugs do not get along in your child's body. Some people may confuse these with drug allergies.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Your doctor may prescribe a shot of epinephrine to carry in case your child has a severe reaction. Learn how to give your child the shot, and keep it with you at all times. Make sure it has not expired. Teach your child how to give a shot if he or she is old enough. Be sure your older child always carries it.
• Go to the emergency room every time your child has a severe reaction. Go even if you have used the shot of epinephrine and your child is feeling better. Symptoms can come back after a shot.
• If your child was given a medicine for an allergic reaction, give it exactly as directed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think your child is having a problem with his or her medicine.
• Avoid giving your child medicines like the one that caused the allergy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you think your child may be taking a similar medicine.
• If your child has a mild skin rash or itching from the allergy:
  • Dress your child in light clothing that does not irritate the skin.
  • Use calamine lotion. Or give your child an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin). Read and follow the instructions on the label.
  • Give your child a cool shower or bath.
  • Do not use strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals. They can make itching worse.
• Have your child wear medical alert jewellery that lists his or her allergies.
• Be sure that anyone treating your child for any health problem knows that your child is allergic to this medicine.

When should you call for help?

Give an epinephrine shot if:

• You think your child is having a severe allergic reaction.
• Your child has symptoms in more than one body area, such as mild nausea and an itchy mouth.

After giving an epinephrine shot call 911, even if your child feels better.

Call 911 if:

• Your child has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
  • Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over his or her body.
  • Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Passing out (losing consciousness). Or your child may feel very light-headed or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
• Your child has been given an epinephrine shot, even if your child feels better.

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
  • A rash or hives (raised, red areas on the skin).
  • Itching.
  • Swelling.
  • Belly pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:

• Your child does not get better as expected.