Unsafe medications for patients with food allergy

Goh, Si Hui MRCPCH; Lee, May Ping MRCPCH; Chong, Kok Wee MRCPCH. Singapore Medical Journal ():10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2022-159, January 12, 2024. | DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2022-159

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of food allergy is increasing globally.[1] While patients and caregivers practice dietary avoidance at the dining table, they may lower their guard at the pharmacy and medical office. Conversely, doctors are primed to look out for drug allergies, but some may not be aware of food allergies and the hidden dangers of food-derived excipients in commonly prescribed medications. Food-containing drugs lead to iatrogenic reactions in food allergic patients. Prescription of food allergen-containing medications during an acute illness, such as a fever or cold, places the patient at high risk of severe reaction. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) guidelines on anaphylaxis recognise that intercurrent infection amplifies the severity of allergic reaction and is a cofactor for anaphylaxis.[2] This article aims to raise awareness of common food allergens, such as cow’s milk and egg, which can be present in medications commonly prescribed in a primary care setting or available over the counter. We will describe patients seen in our allergy centre to provide local context for prescribing physicians...

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