Dear Dr. Gott: I am writing about something I have never seen addressed in your column before.

My daughter, who lives alone, took the first pill of a new prescription while at work. She went into anaphylactic shock. He co-workers immediately called an ambulance, and she got to the hospital with only minutes to spare. If she had waited and taken the pill at home, there would have been no one to help her. Please caution your readers to not take any new medication when they are alone just in case they have an allergic reaction.

Reply: Allergies to medications are fairly common, but to be severe enough to cause anaphylactic shock is rare.

Also known as anaphylaxis, this type of allergic reaction is severe and potentially life-threatening, typically occurring within minutes of exposure to the offending substance.

In some instances, a reaction can occur within seconds or can take as long as 30 minutes. Unless treated immediately with epinephrine, the sufferer can become unconsciousness or die.

Everyone, particularly those people with known allergies, is at risk of anaphylaxis, but certain medications, foods, food additives and insect stings are the most common triggers.

In some instances, exercise, eating certain foods prior to the activity, or exercising in a vast variety of weather conditions can cause a reaction. Those who have had anaphylaxis in the past are at increased risk.

Symptoms include a weak, rapid pulse; dizziness or fainting; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; skin reactions such as hives; itching or flushing; swelling of the tongue or throat; and constriction of the airways, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Treatment is by injection of epinephrine, which reduces the body's response to the allergen. Then oxygen, IV antihistamines and cortisone, steroid pills and/or beta agonists may be used to reduce throat constriction, ease or improve breathing and more. People with a history of anaphylaxis are often prescribed single-dose Epi-Pens by their primary-care physician or allergist for self-injection at the first sign of a reaction, decreasing the risk of worsening symptoms.

Depending on the allergen, immunotherapy with allergy shots may be beneficial. This treatment involves receiving multiple injections of slowly increasing "doses" of the allergen. In this way, the body may develop immunity to the substance and stop overreacting.

This is not appropriate for everyone. Even in those who choose to undergo this treatment, taking steps to prevent a reaction – and being prepared should one happen – is still vital.

Your advice about starting a new medication only when others are around in case of an emergency is very good. Had your daughter been alone when she developed the reaction, she probably would not have fared as well as she did.

The good news is that this type of reaction is rare, and most people do not need to be overly concerned.

But, as always, it is better to play it safe, because there is no way of knowing what could happen. Thank you for writing and sharing this important issue.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report 'Allergies'. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped number ten envelope and a $2 cheque or money order to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 4409-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including 'Live Longer, Live Better', 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' and 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook', which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com. Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016. However, if readers want to request a newsletter, they should write to the Ohio address.