If you are allergic to a drug, it is important to make sure everyone knows. Health services are sometimes not very good at communicating this information or sharing it with other services or even looking at it when it is recorded. Here are 5 top tips to help you:

• Always ask whether the allergy has been recorded in your notes.
• Volunteer the information to everyone who is involved in your care, even if they don’t ask.
• Make sure you are given an allergy bracelet when you are in hospital.
• If your allergy is severe, consider wearing your own allergy bracelet.
• If you are given drugs to take at home, always read the label and information leaflet very carefully.

For more detailed information about drug allergy and the range of different allergy medications please find further useful resources below.

When to see a health care professional

Call 999 or emergency medical help if you experience signs of a severe reaction or suspected anaphylaxis after taking a medication. If you have milder symptoms of a drug allergy, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Who should I speak to if I wasn’t sure how to use my allergy medications?

A pharmacist is well placed to educate you on how to use your allergy medication and devices at the time of dispensing or on request. Your GP or nurse should also be able to do this. In the unlikely event that they are not able to help they will be able to advise you on where to find the information you need.