What to expect from a GP consultation for drug allergy

Your GP may ask for the medicine name, dose, route, reason for taking it and the timing of every dose in relation to symptoms. Describe rash, itching, swelling, wheezing, dizziness, vomiting or other changes, and explain whether the medicine was stopped and what happened afterwards. The GP may examine your skin, breathing and circulation. They will distinguish a possible allergy from side effects, infection or another cause, and may refer you to an allergy specialist when the history is unclear or the medicine is important.

Bring the medicine packet, prescription, photographs of a rash, and a list of all medicines and supplements. Do not restart a suspected medicine or test it at home unless a specialist has specifically arranged supervised testing. Ask how the suspected allergy will be recorded and which related medicines may need caution. Tell dentists, pharmacists and other clinicians about the reaction, and follow any replacement-treatment plan.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, fainting, severe dizziness, widespread blistering or peeling skin, or a rapidly spreading reaction with feeling very unwell. Seek prompt medical advice for facial swelling, extensive rash, fever with a rash, mouth or eye sores, or symptoms that continue after stopping the medicine.

Ask whether the reaction sounds allergic, whether the medicine should be avoided, how the allergy will be documented, what alternatives are suitable, whether specialist testing is appropriate, and what symptoms require emergency action.