Drug Desensitization Specialist

What is drug desensitization?

Drug desensitization is a treatment strategy used to avoid allergic reactions triggered by certain medications, especially if they are necessary as part of your treatment for underlying health issues.

Allergic reactions to drugs affect people differently but often cause symptoms like:

• Hives
• Swelling
• Coughing
• Itchy skin rashes
• Trouble breathing
• Drop in blood pressure

Exposure to certain drugs can also cause inflammation in your airways, leading to wheezing and difficulties breathing.

Drug desensitization is typically an option when there aren’t other drugs that can be substituted for those that trigger an allergic reaction in your body. The team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma can determine if desensitization services are right for you after a thorough health evaluation.

How does drug desensitization work?

Drug desensitization works by introducing the known medication into your body gradually to allow control symptoms to be activated. The staff at Advanced Allergy & Asthma is there to monitor allergic reactions that typically appear quickly, soon after you take the drug.

You can expect to receive a very small amount of the needed medication and over several hours, as your provider increases the dosages at regular intervals until you reach the needed dosage. This method tricks your immune system into accepting the drug and the process is repeated for as long as you need to use the medication.

What are the benefits of drug desensitization?

Drug desensitization is beneficial for those who need to take medications they are allergic to. If you have a moderate to severe allergic reaction to a needed medication, drug desensitization allows you to receive the medication therapy you need without causing additional health complications.

Additionally, drug desensitization is an available option if you experience life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis, to certain medicines. Anaphylaxis is a serious type of reaction that causes a sudden obstruction in your airways that interferes with your ability to breathe properly.

Drug desensitization ensures you receive medications you need to function properly and are closely supervised by the qualified medical team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma at all times.

If you have concerns about drug allergies and want to learn more about drug desensitization, schedule a consultation at Advanced Allergy & Asthma today using the online booking feature or by calling the office.