Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next

Q: Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next

Dear Miss Wang：<br>1. <br>During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe.<br>2. <br>Intravenous injections circulate throughout the bod

Injection allergy

Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I strained my neck and it became swollen and painful, so yesterday I went to a clinic to receive anti-inflammatory injections (one clear and one yellow, administered in the back of my right hand).
Shortly after the first injection, I started to feel nauseous with a strange taste in my throat and developed a fever.
Later, the nurse slowed down the injection, which made it less intense, but I still felt very uncomfortable! I noticed that while she was injecting the fluid, blood was flowing back into the tube, but she would push it back.
Is this normal during an injection? After the injection, I began to feel cold, dizzy, and nauseous.
The doctor then gave me another injection for dizziness (intramuscular), but I only felt worse and felt like I was going to faint! Later, I went to the emergency room, where I received a bag of IV fluids and then left.
This morning I felt a bit better, but still weak and slightly dizzy! Could this be a sign of an allergic reaction to the injection? I have never had a drug allergy before; in fact, just this month, I had a CT scan with a non-ionic contrast agent (with no adverse reactions), and now after receiving an anti-inflammatory injection, I am feeling this way! Am I allergic to the anti-inflammatory medication? Will I also be allergic to pain relievers in the future? (I sometimes take them for headaches and have never had an allergic reaction.) If I want to inquire about drug allergies, which department should I consult? Thank you, Doctor.

Miss Wang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/12

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

Dear Miss Wang:
1.
During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe.
2.
Intravenous injections circulate throughout the body quickly under normal blood flow rates; therefore, the effects and side effects of the medication will appear rapidly.
This is theoretically very reasonable.
3.
After arriving at the hospital's emergency department for intravenous infusion and related treatments, recovery will occur quickly; however, feelings of fatigue or weakness may persist for varying lengths of time.
4.
Since injections can cause discomfort, it is important to remember the generic names of the medications; please inform any physician treating your condition.
The side effects of medications are not limited to allergic reactions, rashes, or hives; some can cause side effects across various body systems.
For example, some medications may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, some may lead to stomach pain, some may cause liver function abnormalities, and some may result in kidney damage.
Due to individual constitution and specific reactions, it is crucial to remember the generic names of the medications to prevent other physicians from making the same mistakes.
5.
Regarding medication information, the Ministry of Health and Welfare or the National Health Insurance Administration provides relevant information.
However, how to interpret and understand this vast amount of information still requires consultation with your attending physician and relevant pharmacists.

Reply Date: 2016/11/12

More Info

It sounds like you had a very concerning experience following your injection, and it's understandable to have questions about what happened and how to proceed. Based on your description, it seems you may have experienced an allergic reaction or an adverse effect related to the injection you received.
When it comes to injections, especially those involving medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, there are several potential reactions that can occur. Allergic reactions can manifest in various ways, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and even a feeling of faintness. The fact that you experienced these symptoms shortly after the injection suggests that your body may have reacted negatively to the medication or the injection process itself.

Regarding the blood you noticed in the tubing during the injection, this can happen if the needle inadvertently enters a blood vessel. In such cases, the nurse may push the blood back into the syringe to ensure that the medication is administered correctly. While this is not uncommon, it should be done with caution, and the healthcare provider should be trained to handle such situations. If you felt discomfort or if the injection site was painful, it’s important to communicate this to your healthcare provider.

The symptoms you described—feeling cold, dizzy, and nauseous—could indeed indicate an allergic reaction, especially if they occurred soon after the injection. However, they could also be side effects of the medication itself or a response to the stress of the situation. It's worth noting that just because you have not had an allergic reaction to other medications in the past does not mean you won't have one in the future. Allergies can develop at any time, even to medications that you have previously tolerated well.

If you are concerned about future reactions to pain medications or other drugs, it is advisable to consult with an allergist or an immunologist. These specialists can perform tests to determine if you have specific drug allergies and can provide guidance on how to manage your medication use safely. Additionally, they can help you understand the likelihood of experiencing similar reactions in the future.

In the meantime, if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction in the future—such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe dizziness—seek immediate medical attention. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of any medications you take and any reactions you experience, as this information can be valuable for your healthcare providers.

Lastly, if you are prescribed any new medications, inform your doctor about your previous reaction to the anti-inflammatory injection. They may choose to prescribe alternatives or monitor you more closely during your treatment.

In summary, while your symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction, it’s essential to follow up with a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate testing. Understanding your body's responses to medications is crucial for your safety and well-being.

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