Epinephrine is a drug which is available by prescription only and is used in the treatment of severe allergy attacks. Epinephrine is also commonly known as adrenaline which is used in emergency situations to make the body respond in many different ways including increase heart rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate, and glucose production. The life threatening condition which can occur during a severe allergy attack is called Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can occur within minutes after an individual who is extremely sensitive to a certain allergen comes into contact with the substance. This condition can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock which can be fatal if not treated immediately. It is essential that if you or someone you are with is experiencing any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis which include hives, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing, that you immediately seek emergency medical attention.

In the case of a severe allergy attack the only medication which can effectively reduce the symptoms which can be potentially fatal is an adrenaline or epinephrine shot. It is essential that individuals who have known allergies to such things as certain foods or insect stings carry what is called an “epinephrine injection kit”. These kits can be obtained from your physician with a prescription and should be readily available at all times on your person or in your vehicle. It is essential that you learn how to use this medication properly and that you instruct the people whom you are closest to how to use this medication as well. The most common form of this medication comes in what is called an “EpiPen” which holds the correct measured dosage of this medication for your system and should always be injected through the upper thigh muscle.

There are some signs and symptoms to help you decide. If you feel you are having an allergic reaction to this anti-inflammatory drug stop using it and contact your physician immediately. An ibuprofen allergy can cause swelling of the face. It may turn red, or flushed, and also feel itchy and uncomfortable. The eyes may begin to swell and itch. You may find yourself rubbing your eyes a lot since they are watering somewhat. This itchy rash-like redness may also begin to appear on other parts of the body. It may be splotchy and start showing itself on the torso to begin with. It may also begin on the inside of the arms. This type of reaction is commonly called hives. Sometimes the blotches are smaller than hives and begin to fill with fluid. These skin blisters are also a sign of an ibuprofen allergy.

One symptom of any kind of allergic reaction is breathing difficulty. Asthmatics are exceptionally susceptible to this shutting down of the lungs. It may feel like you cannot take a deep breath or that you are trying to breathe through a straw. Some people describe this as feeling like someone is standing on your chest. Difficulty breathing may not be the first symptom that appears. However, by the time the allergic reaction has progressed this far getting to a doctor or a medical facility is imperative. In very extreme cases of an ibuprofen allergy the reaction can cause the person to go into shock. Their pupils will become fixed and they have a vacant look. They may become lifeless and unable to breathe. Fainting, dizziness and tremors are also signs of going into shock. These can happen after taking ibuprofen, but they are not probable.

Many over the counter medications taken for pain also contain ibuprofen. If you think you have an ibuprofen allergy make sure to read all ingredients listed on a label before purchasing. There are several anti -inflammatory medications which have ibuprofen in them and you can possible consume it by mistake if you do not read the labels. Check with your doctor for alternative medicines. If you have an allergic reaction the doctor will most likely prescribe an anti-histamine and possibly steroids. If you are experiencing breathing difficulties with the allergy they may prescribe an inhaler or a breathing treatment to help keep the airways open.