Sulfur/Sulfa Allergy? - Allergies Message Board

dreams in neon · 06-11-2009, 12:22 PM

Hi everyone,

I was hospitalized 3 years ago and was given Bactrim for an infection. Once I was given this med, I developed a rash, redness and itchy skin. I was given a combination of Benadryl and Zyrtec to treat it and it was noted on my record that I had an allergy to sulfa. Is this something I need to make my GP and other doctors aware of? I don't know anything about this kind of allergy, so any information you can provide would be helpful.

Titchou · 06-11-2009, 12:57 PM

Yes, you should always list "sulfa drugs" as an allergy on any medical records. They are not the same thing as "sulpher."

dreams in neon · 06-11-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titchou

Yes, you should always list "sulfa drugs" as an allergy on any medical records. They are not the same thing as "sulpher."

Got it. I'll call my GP and other doctors so they can make a note of this.

MountainReader · 06-11-2009, 08:39 PM

I second Titchou.

I developed a sulfa allergy years ago and make sure all of my docs are aware of the allergy. It goes on my hospital bracelets too.

dreams in neon · 06-12-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainReader

I second Titchou.

I developed a sulfa allergy years ago and make sure all of my docs are aware of the allergy. It goes on my hospital bracelets too.

I have a Medic Alert bracelet, but never thought about putting a notation on it about having an allergy to sulfa. Thanks for mentioning that. I'll contact Medic Alert tomorrow to have this added to my medical information.

By the way, I informed my GP and other doctors about this allergy. All of them said it was good I brought this to their attention since the next time I am given this med (or class of meds), I can experience a more severe (i.e. throat closing up) or fatal reaction.

I'm glad I requested my medical records otherwise I never would have been aware of the fact I have this allergy.