Epidemiologic profile of self-reported drug allergy in a sample of adolescent females suffering from dysmenorrhea

Background: Self-reported drug allergy (SRDA) continues to be a major global public health problem, particularly among adult females. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiologic profile of SRDA in adolescent females aged 13–19 years with dysmenorrhea. Material and Method: In this cross-sectional study, data of 821 participants were analyzed. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The diagnosis of allergic disease was established with self-reported information provided by participants, without performing laboratory tests or physical examination. Results: The mean age of adolescent females was 17.8 ± 0.7 years. The mean age at the onset of menarche was approximately 11.8 ± 1.4 years; moreover, 59.3% of the participants experienced regular menstruation, but 72.0% suffered from dysmenorrhea. A total of 83 (10.1%) adolescent females reported having SRDA; of these, 23 participants (27.7%) reported being allergic to more than two medications; moreover, the age at the onset of SRDA was 10.7 ± 6.6 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that allergic rhinitis, consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and recommended use of NSAIDs by mothers were associated with SRDA. Allergic rhinitis and consumption of NSAIDs without prescription were associated with SRDA in adolescent females suffering from dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: It is important that parents understand the adverse effects that these medications generate if used without professional supervision. Healthcare professionals should be better trained to identify adolescent females with greater susceptibility to reporting SRDA.