Allergy - Mefenemic Acid Pain Killer Test

Anti-inflammatory painkillers like mefenamic acid are also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or sometimes just 'anti-inflammatories'. Mefenamic acid is used to treat painful conditions such as arthritis, pain associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, and pain after surgical operations. Sometimes, mefenamic acid consumption can cause allergies whose symptoms include Feeling sick or being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, skin rash and mouth ulcers. Skin testing is usually done at a doctor's office. A nurse generally administers the test, and a doctor interprets the results. Typically, this test takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Some tests detect immediate allergic reactions, which develop within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Other tests detect delayed allergic reactions, which develop over a period of several days.

Some medicines do interfere with allergy skin tests. The allergist will tell you if you have to change your medicine before allergy skin testing.

An allergy blood test is often used because: The patient is taking a medicine that can interfere with skin testing, but cannot be stopped for a few days The patient suffers from a severe skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis Testing with a strong allergen might cause an extra large positive reaction For babies and very young children, a single needle stick for allergy blood testing may be better than several skin tests.

There are two types of skin tests. During the first type of skin test, a drop of a suspected allergen is pricked on the surface of the skin. The test is performed on the back or forearm. Many suspected allergens are tested at the same time. If you are allergic to one of the tests, you will have redness and swelling at the test spot. Sometimes the doctor will recommend a second type of test. In this type, a small amount of the suspected allergen is injected into the skin of the arm or forearm. Several suspected allergens are tested at the same time.