Treatment Options for Hypersensitivity Syndrome
To treat hypersensitivity syndrome, the first step is to withdraw from all suspect medications. This process should be carefully monitored by your doctor. Supportive care should also be provided until symptoms subside. In more serious cases with hepatitis, pneumonitis, or dermatitis, systemic steroids may be given. Ciclosporin can be an effective treatment for hypersensitivity syndrome as well. Other treatment options include immunomodulatory drugs, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin. [10]
How to Prevent Hypersensitivity Syndrome
If you have a history of hypersensitivity syndrome, make sure to avoid taking the medications that cause the symptoms. In addition, cross-reactions are common between phenobarbitone, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, the three main anticonvulsant drugs. Therefore, if you have developed hypersensitivity syndrome due to one of these medications before, it is advisable to avoid all of them. Since genetics may play a role in this condition, parents and siblings of people with hypersensitivity syndrome should also be cautious when taking these medications. [11]
