Serum sickness is a rare reaction to some medications and insects, seen more often in adults than children. In this post, we offer an overview of the symptoms and how to treat the complication.
Causes
Serum sickness is triggered by some medicines, such as antibiotics like penicillin. Some vaccines, insect stings or spider bites might also cause it.
Symptoms
You might notice symptoms seven to ten days after you take the medicine. (They may start sooner if you have had the medicine before.) Signs of serum sickness include:
Sometimes you just feel sick. Your symptoms will probably go away on their own, but they may last up to several weeks.
Treatment
Your doctor might give you a prescription, such as a steroid, to help manage your fever, pain or skin irritation. This can calm down the body's response.
Other ways to care for yourself when you have serum sickness include:
- Consult with your provider and stop taking the medicine that caused the sickness. Even years later, the medication will likely trigger the same response. Have your doctor help you find an alternative medicine.
- If you have a fever or joint pain, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen (Aleve®). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If you have a rash or hives, take a non-drowsy antihistamine, such as loratadine (Claritin®). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
When to seek additional medical attention
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe trouble breathing.
Call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care if:
- You have a rash in your mouth or on your genital area.
- You have blisters on your body.
- You have new symptoms, such as a cough or belly pain.
- Your joint pain gets worse.
- You have new or worse trouble breathing.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You do not get better as expected.
Parkview has two Allergy, Asthma & Immunology practices in Fort Wayne, one in Auburn and one in Columbia City. If you're interested in establishing care with one of our providers, talk to your primary care provider about a referral.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
