Management of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions

Abstract

Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly prescribed and consumed drug classes, they are associated with a wide range of adverse effects, including NSAID-induced hypersensitivity reactions (NHRs). There are five types of NHRs, categorized as either nonimmunologically mediated or immunologically mediated reactions. Symptoms associated with these reactions can range from respiratory and/or cutaneous reactions to angioedema. Pharmacists should be aware of and understand the differences associated with the various NHR reaction types.