Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It is used to treat fever and relieve pain. Ibuprofen can trigger allergic reactions such as hives, facial swelling, nausea etc. in a few people. Ibuprofen allergy is a form of medication allergy, where the immune system reacts to the medication with an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of Ibuprofen Allergy:
Ibuprofen allergy can result in hives, rashes, itchy skin, swelling of the face/lips, and headaches. It can also result in dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness. In rare cases, it can progress to a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylactic shock. An epinephrine should be administered immediately to avoid anaphylactic shock.
Testing For Ibuprofen Allergy:
If you suspect ibuprofen allergy, do consult your allergist. He/she can conduct a skin prick test or a blood test (RAST) to determine if you have ibuprofen allergy.
Preventing Ibuprofen Allergy:
If you have ibuprofen allergy, you would have to avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs such as aspirin. You can speak to your doctor about alternative forms of medicine. Always inform the doctor about your allergy every time you go for a consultation.
Treatment:
If you develop an allergy to ibuprofen, seek medical help immediately. Your doctor can prescribe some anti-histamines or corticosteroids to treat the allergy. He/she can also prescribe alternative medicines which can keep you from developing allergies.
If you have ibuprofen allergy, it is important to always carry a self-injectable epinephrine such as Epi-Pen to prevent an anaphylactic shock.
More Symptoms of Ibuprofen Allergy:
If you experience any of the following symptoms after taking ibuprofen, consult a doctor and stop using the medication.
Facial Swelling
If your face beings to swell after ingesting ibuprofen, you may be allergic to the medication.
Hives
Hives are another symptom of allergy to ibuprofen. Hives are red, itchy bumps that mar the skin.
Blisters or Skin Rash
Other skin symptoms of ibuprofen allergy are blisters and skin rashes. Blisters fill up with fluid and are different compared to hives.
Asthma
Ibuprofen allergy may cause breathing difficulties and even asthma attacks. Therefore, asthma sufferers need to talk to their doctor first, before using any type of anti-inflammatory medicines.
Shock
In severe cases, some people suffer a shock. Symptoms of this reaction include a tight jaw, dizziness, fainting, breathing difficulty, tremors, loss of speech, amnesia, immobility, fixed pupils and a vacant gaze.
1 Comment
I Have Ibuprofen Allergy. I came to know this 12 years back when my lips & face swelled after taking Combiflam for fever. It was a horrible experience & my whole face was itching & pricking. Since then I have avoided this medicine. Now, I mention this to any doctor I visit. I am not allergic to Paracetamol & I have been taking it since early childhood (5-6 yrs old) for headaches & fever. I am also not allergic to Nimesulide tablets which is still legal in India & use it quite frequently (being aware of its side effects) since it provides sooner relief. And I have tried Aspirin recently (dissolved in a glass of water) for a headache & did not find any allergic reactions.