Abstract

PATIENT REPORTED DRUG ALLERGY SYMPTOMS ARE NOT ALLERGIES IN MAJORITY OF PATIENTS

Allison M. Dering-Anderson, BA, PharmD*, Brian J. Trevarrow and BA, PharmD, BCPS; Jolyn N. Merry, PharmD, MBA

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare symptoms in patient, self-reported drug allergies with explicit criteria defining drug allergies. Methods: Participants were recruited during a live, call-in, pharmacy-focused radio show. Specifically, listeners were asked to send an email to a temporary email address for the purpose of directing respondents to a Survey Monkey link using bounc-back technology. The survey asked two questions: To what drug are you allergic? What happens to you when you take that drug? The research team then coded patient responses into 1 of 4 categories:  Symptoms reported are possible allergic reactions (AR) and are also consistent with reported adverse events (AE);  Symptoms reported are possible AR, but are not listed as AE in the literature or product labeling;  Symptoms reported do not match the AR definition, but are possible AE; or  Symptoms reported are neither reported as AE in the literature or product labeling nor do they match the criteria for AR developed for this project. Results: A total of 152 responses were collected during the survey time. Using the standard symptoms developed by the research team to define drug allergy (itching, hives, rash, swelling of mouth or face, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis, or advice from an authority). 24.67% of patient reported allergies were coded as AR, but not AE. An additional 6.67% were coded as either an AR or a reported AE. More than half of all responses 56% were coded as an AE reported in the literature, but not an allergic symptom.

Keywords: Drug Allergy, Drug Hypersensitivity, Patient Reports, Drug Adverse Event.