Cross-reactivity in Drug Allergy

Cross-reactivity in drug allergy refers to a situation where a person's immune system reacts not only to the specific medication they are allergic to but also to other drugs that have similar chemical structures. This can lead to allergic reactions from medications that one might not expect, based on previous allergies. For example, if someone is allergic to penicillin, they may also react to other antibiotics that belong to the same family. It’s important for individuals with known drug allergies to inform their healthcare providers to manage and avoid potential cross-reactions effectively.