Accurate Drug Allergy Testing & Treatment

Safe, Accurate Diagnosis

Why Choose Modena Allergy and Asthma for Drug Allergies?

A reaction to a medication can range from mild itching to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. However, not all drug allergies are true allergies, and misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medication restrictions that limit your treatment options. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, we provide comprehensive drug allergy testing and desensitization treatments to help you determine which medications you can safely take—and which you should avoid. Modena Allergy & Asthma offers comprehensive drug allergy testing and desensitization treatments to accurately identify safe and unsafe medications.

What Is It? Benefits Ideal Candidates Recovery Results FAQs Consultation

Drug Allergies at a Glance

What It Does: Identifies true drug allergies and helps determine safe medications.
Testing Methods: Skin prick tests, intradermal testing, blood tests, and oral drug challenges.
Treatment Options: Drug desensitization therapy and alternative medication planning.
Who It Helps: Patients with suspected or previously diagnosed drug allergies.
Long-Term Benefits: Improved treatment options and reduced risk of severe allergic reactions.

Safely Manage Drug Allergies

What is drug allergy testing?

Drug allergy testing determines whether a patient has a true allergy to a medication or can safely take the drug without risk. Many people labeled as allergic to medications—especially penicillin—are not actually allergic, leading to unnecessary avoidance of effective treatments. Our specialists use a comprehensive approach to confirm or rule out a drug allergy, which may include:

Skin Prick Testing: A small amount of the suspected drug is placed on the skin to observe for a reaction.
Intradermal Testing: A small amount of the drug is injected just under the skin to assess for an allergic response.
Blood Testing: Measures immune system activity related to the suspected drug allergy.
Oral Drug Challenge: The most accurate way to confirm or rule out a drug allergy by taking the medication under close medical supervision.

Child sharing a cookie with a smiling adult.

Pinpoint Your Medication Triggers

What is drug desensitization?

Drug desensitization is a medical process that temporarily allows allergic patients to take a necessary medication safely. This treatment is especially useful when there are no alternative medications available for a patient’s condition.

The treatment begins by administering the medication in very small doses at fixed intervals, gradually increasing the amount under strict medical supervision. This step-by-step approach helps the immune system develop a temporary tolerance to the drug, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction. However, to maintain this tolerance, the medication must be taken daily. Drug desensitization provides a safe and effective way to manage essential treatments while minimizing the risks associated with drug allergies.

Temporary Tolerance Through Desensitization

What conditions does drug allergy address?

Drug allergy testing helps diagnose true allergic reactions to medications, including:

Antibiotics (Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Sulfa drugs, etc.)
Pain relievers (Aspirin, NSAIDs, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen)
Anesthesia & Contrast Dyes
Chemotherapy Medications
Anticonvulsants & Mood Stabilizers

If you’ve experienced rash, swelling, shortness of breath, or severe reactions after taking a medication, allergy testing can help identify safe treatment options.

Expand Your Treatment Options

What are the benefits of drug allergy testing?

Accurate Diagnosis: Determines whether you have a true drug allergy or if the medication is safe for you.
Expands Treatment Options: Helps you access first-line medications instead of unnecessary alternatives.
Prevents Life-Threatening Reactions: Identifies high-risk medications before they cause serious harm.
Supports Long-Term Health: Avoids overuse of second-line medications, which may be less effective or cause side effects.

Mother and daughter enjoying a joyful moment together.

Get the Care You Need

Am I a candidate for drug allergy testing?

You may need drug allergy testing if you:

Have been diagnosed with a penicillin or antibiotic allergy but have never been tested.
Experienced rash, hives, swelling, or breathing issues after taking medication.
Need a specific medication for treatment but have a history of allergic reactions.
Want to confirm or rule out an existing drug allergy.

Manage and Resolve Reactions

Drug Allergy Recovery

Most drug allergies resolve after the medication is stopped, but some reactions—such as severe rashes—can persist for weeks or even months.

Treatment may include:

Antihistamines & Corticosteroids: Reduce rash, itching, and inflammation.
Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPen): For patients with a history of severe anaphylaxis.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Therapy: Used for severe medication reactions affecting the skin or organs.

Diagnosing Allergies to Antibiotics, Pain Relievers & More

Drug Allergy Testing Results

If you’ve been diagnosed with a drug allergy, it doesn’t always mean you need to avoid that medication for life. Through expert drug allergy testing, including skin tests, blood tests, and oral drug challenges, we can determine whether you’re truly allergic or if the medication can be safely used. Skin test results are available within minutes, blood test results take 3–7 days, and oral drug challenges provide immediate answers, allowing you to move forward with a clear understanding of your options.

For patients who require medication that previously caused an allergic reaction, drug desensitization therapy offers a safe solution. While desensitization must be repeated each time the medication is needed, it allows patients to tolerate life-saving or essential treatments without fear of severe reactions. Once a drug allergy is ruled out, you can safely use that medication indefinitely. At Modena Allergy & Asthma, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind and effective solutions so that medication allergies no longer disrupt your health or your life.

Drug Allergy Testing & Treatment