Parker Waichman LLP

Medications the Leading Cause of Sudden Allergy Deaths

Fatal Allergic Reactions from Medications. A new study indicates that medications produce far more fatal allergic reactions than either venom or food. Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Weill-Cornell Medical College identified 2,458 anaphylaxis-related deaths that occurred between 1999 and 2010 from diagnostic codes on death certificates from the U.S. National Mortality Database. […]

Sudden Allergy Deaths

Fatal Allergic Reactions from Medications. A new study indicates that medications produce far more fatal allergic reactions than either venom or food.

Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Weill-Cornell Medical College identified 2,458 anaphylaxis-related deaths that occurred between 1999 and 2010 from diagnostic codes on death certificates from the U.S. National Mortality Database.

The study reports that medications were identified as the trigger in 58.8 percent (1,446) of those deaths and, most likely, were the trigger in many of the 475 deaths (19.3%) caused by “unspecified” allergens, HCP Live reports. Many of the death certificates that indicated medical triggers did not name individual medications, but for those that did, antibiotics were the most common, causing 149 deaths.

The analysis revealed a significant increase in fatal drug-induced anaphylaxis over the study period

Radiocontrast agents used in diagnostic imaging tests were blamed for another 100 fatalities, while chemotherapy drugs were listed in 46 cases. Less common triggers included serum, opiates, blood pressure medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anesthetics, according to HCP Live. The study appeared in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The analysis revealed a significant increase in fatal drug-induced anaphylaxis over the study period, from 0.27 (95% confidence interval , 0.23-0.30) per million in 1999 to 2001 to 0.51 (95% CI, 0.47-0.56) per million in 2008 to 2010 (P < .001).

The authors offered several possible explanations for the rise, including an increase in radiocontrast tests, which means more people are exposed to the risk of an allergic reaction to a radio-contrast agent.

The second biggest cause of fatal anaphylaxis over the study period was venom, but it was named the likely trigger on only 15.2 percent of the death certificates, according to HCP Live. Food was named on just 6.7 percent of death certificates as the probable cause for the anaphylactic attack.

The researchers found that older people had greater risk of fatal anaphylaxis from all causes (P < .001); and African-Americans faced greater risk of fatal anaphylaxis from medications, food and unspecified allergens (P < .001).

Need Legal Help Regarding Sudden Allergy Deaths?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations.
For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to give a sincere thank you to Ms. Benita Rollis her professionalism and demeanor was outstanding very helpful in my case she kept me informed she reach out to me by telephone calls and emails, very pleasant and understanding I thank you for all of your help. Sincerely,
Celeste Henderson
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism I would like to give Christina(Tina)Morace a (5)five stars review,Christina is a very pleasant person, her client professional skills are excellent, very informative,always available to answer my questions and quick to return calls.it was a pleasure communicant with Christina Morace.thank you very much
sandra benejan
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I want to say that ever since I came to Parker Waichman LLP I was met with such professionalism. Anytime I call Jessie Salcedo to ask a question to see how the case is going she is very informative and is quick to answer any questions that I have. They have made everything very easy so far.
JuliaInPink
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038