Definition: Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. MedlinePlus says it usually happens quickly after exposure, often within seconds or minutes, and that medicines are one of the common causes. Many drug labels list it as a serious allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction.
MedlinePlus calls it an emergency: call 911 or the local emergency number right away, and use an epinephrine injector or nasal spray immediately if one is available. It notes that some medicines can cause an anaphylactoid reaction on first exposure, which is not the same immune response but has the same symptoms, risks and treatment.
| Product | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Aveed (testosterone undecanoate) | Boxed warning: anaphylaxis can happen during or right after any injection; 30 minutes of observation after each shot |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported; stop Ozempic if they occur |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported; if one happens, Mounjaro is stopped |
Aveed is given only through a REMS program because of this risk.
Hives or swelling at the shot are not always anaphylaxis; see injection site reaction. If you have had any allergic reaction, log the product, lot, time of the dose and when symptoms began, so your prescriber can tell what caused it.
Read more on Dose Track: Aveed side effects · Ozempic side effects · Mounjaro side effects · Side effects from FDA labels