Many people suffer from serious allergies to medications. Reactions to medications can cause symptoms that range from only mild annoyances to life-threatening situations that require immediate medical care.
Medical IDs are critical for those with medication allergies since the medical ID can communicate to first responders in an emergency to make sure you get the appropriate treatment. Wearing a medical ID will also make sure you do not receive any medications that may not be safe for you to take.
Penicillin, aspirin, and sulfonamides account for over 80% of allergic drug reactions worldwide.
Penicillin
Penicillin is a widely used antibiotic that is effective against common bacterial infections. Approximately 1-3% of patient uses of penicillin are complicated by allergic reactions. Reactions to penicillin may range from mild to severe, including rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Penicillin is the most common cause of anaphylaxis and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Aspirin
Aspirin is a common over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats inflammation and pain. If you have an aspirin allergy you may also have a reaction to other NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Aleve. Reactions to Aspirin include hives, itching, swelling of the lips or tongue, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis.
Antibiotics containing Sulfonamides
Antibiotics containing sulfonamides are used to treat bacterial infections. About 3% of people being treated with antibiotics containing sulfonamides have some type of reaction. The most common reactions include hives, itching, breathing problems, face swelling, and in severe situations may cause anaphylaxis.
Other Common Drug Allergies…
Other common drug allergies that require use of a medical ID bracelet include anticonvulsants, insulin, and antiseizure drugs. These medications are commonly prescribed, and it is important for first responders to know of any allergies in order to provide the right treatment in an emergency.
What’s the Danger?
The risk of anaphylaxis is high in those with serious drug allergies.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening situation and requires immediate treatment with either an EpiPen or epinephrine injection.
What Should You Do If You Have a Serious Medical Allergy?
Wearing a medical ID bracelet will let first responders know that you may be having an allergic reaction and it can provide them with the location of your EpiPen so they can treat you as efficiently as possible.
If you do not have an EpiPen the emergency responders will know to give you an epinephrine injection. Wearing a medical ID for your medication allergies could save your life in an emergency.
