Fayetteville, AR Allergic Reaction to Medication Attorney

Having an allergic reaction to medication can be frightening as you may feel powerless to stop the strange and unexpected changes occurring in your body. A doctor who prescribes your medication should be keenly aware of any medications you take and any allergies you may possess. If you or a family member was injured after being prescribed the wrong medication, contact an experienced Fayetteville medical malpractice attorney today.

The prescription of drugs without care for an allergic reaction is a serious issue, and the Kieklak Law Firm is prepared to help you fight against doctors that incorrectly prescribe medication. Our firm is committed to providing you with the legal representation that you need to pursue your claim. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 316-0438, or contact us online.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Allergies

A drug allergy occurs when a person has an unexpected reaction to drugs. Specifically, a person’s immune system may see the medication as a threat and react to eliminate the threat. While any type of medication can trigger an allergic reaction, the following types of drugs create a higher risk of an allergic reaction:

• Aspirin
• Codeine
• Carbamazepine
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Morphine and other opiates
• NSAIDs

This is not an exhaustive list. It is important to note that an allergic reaction may not occur the first time that you use a certain type of drug. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to a drug only after using the drug repeatedly. Once your body identifies a particular drug as a threat, it will develop antibodies for the purpose of combatting a specific drug.

There are various risk factors that can influence whether a person develops an allergy to a certain type of drug. For example, a family history of allergic reactions to certain drugs should be considered when prescribing a drug. Other risk factors that can increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction include illnesses like HIV or even other forms of allergies like a food allergy.

An allergic reaction to medication can have several different signs and symptoms. For example, some may experience a tightening in their throat and trouble breathing, while others become nauseous. Other signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to drugs include:

• Diarrhea/Vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Blood pressure drop
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

In some cases, an allergic reaction to medication could trigger a more serious condition. For example, a drug allergy could cause a person to develop nephritis. Nephritis, identified by the swelling of the kidneys, can cause fevers, confusion, and can lead to other conditions if untreated. Another possibility is that a person develops drug-induced anemia. This is identified by a decrease in red blood cells, which can cause a person to feel consistently exhausted.

If you believe that a drug prescribed to you caused you to suffer an allergic reaction, you should stop taking the drug immediately and consult with a doctor. To learn more about filing a lawsuit for allergic reaction to the medication you were prescribed, continue reading and speak with an experienced Arkansas drug allergy attorney.

Determining Doctor Liability for an Allergic Reaction to Medication

A doctor in charge of treating you should know your medical background and be aware of any medications you take or allergies you might have. When prescribing medication, a doctor should look at your list of medications and your history of allergies, to ensure that they prescribe you a drug that will not negatively interact with your other medications or allergies.

If your doctor prescribed you a drug that contained an allergen that triggered a serious reaction, they could be held liable for medical malpractice. While some symptoms of an allergic reaction can be easily cleared up or managed with another type of drug, some patients suffer long-term or permanent damage from being prescribed the wrong medication.

There are other ways that a negligent doctor could trigger an allergic reaction in a patient. For example, if a doctor prescribes dosage instructions that are incorrect, this could lead to an allergic reaction.

It is also important to note the difference between an allergic reaction and a side effect of a drug. For example, a side effect of a medication intended to manage pain could be a significant amount of drowsiness. A plaintiff cannot base a medical malpractice claim for an allergic reaction on a drug side effect that every user of the drug is likely to experience.

Contact Our Experienced Fayetteville Drug Allergy Lawyer Today

If you or a family member was a victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced Fayetteville allergic reaction malpractice lawyer. Injury lawyer Ken Kieklak possesses nearly 20 years of legal experience handling a wide range of injury claims, and he would be honored to work with you. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 316-0438.