Know How iCliniq’s Doctor Guided a Pregnant Women With Painkiller Allergy

A patient who was allergic to NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reached out to an allergy specialist on iCliniq.com. Whenever the patient took any NSAID painkiller, she experienced intense swelling of the face and difficulty breathing. When she had her first baby through an emergency C-section, the doctors could not give her painkillers due to her allergy. She was given Paracetamol, which was not effective at all, and she was unable to sleep for the first 48 hours due to the intense pain. It was an extremely traumatic experience, which she was terrified of having to relive. She was pregnant again and wanted to know if any alternatives can be administered without triggering her allergy. The patient informed the doctor that she had severe allergic reactions after taking Ketorolac and Ibuprofen.

Our doctor informed the patient that as there are various chemically different drugs in the NSAIDs group, he believed that she must be allergic to one type of NSAIDs and not necessarily to another kind. As the doctor himself was allergic to Aspirin and not to Diclofenac, he was confident that they could figure out a safe drug. He added that allergic reactions to Aspirin and Ibuprofen are more common. Approximately 2 % of the population are prone to NSAID allergy. Also, women are more prone (about 2.5 %). He also told the patient that NSAIDs like Diclofenac, Celecoxib, Meloxicam, Valdecoxib, and Rofecoxib are unlikely to cause allergies. But to be safe, the doctor asked the patient to take any painkiller in a setting where anaphylaxis treatment is available. He also asked the patient to discuss safer drugs like Tramadol, Morphine, and opioids with her surgeon.

The patient thanked the doctor, and she found the consultation very informative. She was happy with the fast and detailed responses and the care and patience with which iCliniq’s doctor replied to her health queries.