Characterized by raised red itchy bumps, hives are often associated with an allergic reaction. While most people associate hives and allergies with food, medicines are often the culprits and underlying cause of the raised red itchy bumps. Hives may form suddenly and disappear equally rapidly however, if you are suffering form an allergy to your medicine you will continue to have hive outbreaks until the medicine leaves your system.
Raised Red Itchy Rash – Is It Your Medicine?
There is a range of prescription and over the counter medicines that list red itchy bumps (hives) as a possible side effect. Any adverse reaction to drugs whether it be allergic or non-allergic is called an adverse drug event (http://www.cdc.gov/MedicationSafety/Adult_AdverseDrugEvents.html). Drug allergies can occur at anytime during the course of the drug treatment even if there have been no prior symptoms of an allergy or adverse reaction. According to the Resnik Skin Institute aspirin is a likely culprit for non-allergic adverse reactions and is a medicine found in most medicine cabinets. Known both to cause hives and exacerbate them, you should immediately eliminate aspirin and any medicines containing it, such as over the counter cold and flu remedies. Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) high blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors), and painkillers that contain codeine are all known to cause hives in certain patients. Read ingredients carefully and stop any over the counter medication that contains a suspected allergen.
Drug Allergy – Raised Red Itchy Bumps (Hives)
It is extremely important that you speak with your doctor if you suspect that your prescription medications are causing an allergic reaction, consulting to see if an alternative medicine would be appropriate. It should be noted that individuals with weakened immune systems, those who have had a previous allergic reaction, patients with asthma, heart disease, and high blood pressure have a higher risk of drug allergies and adverse reactions to drugs. Antibiotics containing penicillin or sulfonamides are common drug allergens to be careful of.
There are several symptoms that indicate if you are having an allergic reaction to your medication: red itchy bumps or rash, hives, fever, facial swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is by far one of the most severe symptoms and comprises a series of its own symptoms: weak or rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, dizziness or loss of consciousness. Severe reactions requiring medical attention are drug-induced anemia (destruction of blood cells) and serum sickness, which can cause organ damage. Symptoms of serum sickness include joint pain in addition to hives and rash.
