Retrospective evaluation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions reported in a tertiary hospital allergy unit in Greece

Abstract

Background: Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs; drug allergy) affect >7% of the population and comprise 15% of adverse drug reactions. Being potentially life threatening and a frequent cause of post-marketing drug withdrawal, DHRs represent important public health and medical concerns. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are only second to antibiotics as the most frequent DHR-inducing agents. However, solid knowledge on the underlying mechanisms is virtually lacking. Non-standardized studies and DHR misdiagnosis repeatedly lead to misconceptions and to the use of more-expensive and potentially less-effective drugs. This study aimed at critically evaluating a DHR database in an effort to dissect reliable and useful information on NSAID-induced DHRs. Methods: A proprietary database of DHRs reported in the Outpatient Allergy