Information for the public
Specific drug allergies
Specific drug allergies
Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs
Some people are allergic to non‑selective NSAIDs (non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs). This group includes aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen – commonly used drugs that reduce pain, inflammation and fever.
If you have a suspected allergy to non‑selective NSAIDs, you should avoid taking them. Some over‑the‑counter medicines contain these drugs, so always check with a pharmacist and read all medicine labels carefully.
If you have had a mild allergic reaction to a non‑selective NSAID but need an anti‑inflammatory, your doctor could offer you a different type of NSAID (called a COX‑2 inhibitor). You should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor first. But if you need an NSAID and your reaction was severe, with symptoms such as anaphylaxis or an asthma attack, your doctor should refer you to a specialist drug allergy service.
Some people who have both asthma and nasal polyps (small tissue growths inside the nose) are likely to have an allergic reaction to NSAIDs. Your doctor can give you more information about this.
Beta‑lactam antibiotics
Beta‑lactam antibiotics are a group of antibiotics that includes penicillin – talk to your doctor if you think you have an allergy to these and need treatment with an antibiotic. You should be referred to a specialist drug allergy service for advice on whether you are able to have beta‑lactam antibiotics if you have a suspected allergy to them and:
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you need treatment for an illness that can only be treated by an antibiotic from this group or
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you are likely to need an antibiotic from this group frequently in the future (for example, if you often have bacterial infections or have a weakened immune system).
You may also be referred if you have a suspected allergy to beta‑lactam antibiotics and to at least one other group of antibiotics.
Local anaesthetics
Local anaesthetics are used to numb specific parts of the body during a medical procedure. You should be referred to a specialist drug allergy service if you need a procedure that involves a local anaesthetic that you are unable to have because of a suspected allergy to local anaesthetics.