ALLERGY SHOT REACTIONS
IMPORTANT – Notify us immediately if experiencing symptoms that were not present before the injection. If a reaction occurs after leaving the office, seek immediate treatment by returning to KCAA or visiting an urgent care or ER.
LOCAL REACTIONS
Local reactions are common and include redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site. We stock anti-itch spray. One hive per injection is normal. If more hives occur around the injection site, contact the nurse. To minimize local reactions:
- Take an antihistamine prior to the injection (e.g., Zyrtec, Allegra, Xyzal). Claritin (loratadine) and Benadryl are not effective for most people. Pretreatment can occur the night before shots, the morning of shots, or at least 3 hours prior to shots.
- Apply an ice pack (we stock) to the injection site during the 30-minute wait.
- Apply hydrocortisone cream to the injection site following the shots.
- Take ibuprofen or Tylenol for discomfort. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory that may help decrease swelling.
SYSTEMIC REACTIONS
Notify the nurse immediately of any of the following symptoms or visit the nearest urgent care or ER.
- Symptoms may include itchy/runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching or hives on the body aside from the injection site, feeling flush/warm or a burning sensation away from the injection site, or nausea.
- To reduce the risk of infection, take an antihistamine at least 3 hours prior to the injection (e.g., Zyrtec, Allegra, Xyzal). Claritin (loratadine) and Benadryl are not effective for most people.
ANAPHYLAXIS REACTIONS
Notify the nurse immediately of any of the following symptoms or visit the nearest urgent care or ER.
- Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, difficulty talking, closing of the throat or lump in the throat, shock, rapid pulse, feeling faint or dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping.
