false

Drug Hypersensitivity and Desensitization Program

Some people have allergic reactions to medications that keep them from completing treatments. Our allergy specialists offer drug desensitization therapy that enables you to safely take medications to receive full treatment benefits.
style
palette-deep-blue
showJumplinks
true

Expert help for drug allergies

Drug allergies, or adverse reactions to medications, can prevent you from completing potentially life-saving treatments. Mass General Brigham is home to one of the nation’s largest and most experienced programs.

Our skilled allergy specialists safely perform close to 2,000 drug desensitizations every year, including high-risk desensitization for chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies. We help patients better tolerate and complete medication treatments.

You could be a candidate to undergo drug challenges or skin testing or desensitization therapy with renowned drug allergy specialists.

center
tertiary
internal-arrow
Part of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Learn more about allergy and clinical immunology at Mass General Brigham

/content/unified-xwalk/en/services/allergy-immunology
style
palette-white
showJumplinks
true

Our approach to drug allergy care

Our allergy specialists safely perform drug challenges, skin tests, and drug desensitization therapy to help you safely complete medication treatments despite a known drug allergy.
Help for all types of drug allergies

We commonly manage adverse drug reactions to these medications:

  • Antibiotics
  • Aspirin
  • Anesthetic agents
  • Chemotherapy
  • Monoclonal antibodies
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Drug challenges
Our team conducts drug challenges under close monitoring and supervision. During the challenge, you take one to two doses of a medication in increasing amounts. We carefully monitor you for allergic reactions along the way. Our goal is to ensure you can eventually tolerate the full intended treatment dose.
Drug desensitization therapy

During drug desensitization therapy, you slowly take increasing doses of a medication under careful supervision until you reach the optimal dose.

Our multi-step infusion protocol for chemotherapy drug desensitization is internationally recognized for improving patient survival. Our team’s deep experience with this therapy means we’re able to anticipate and quickly address complications.

style
palette-deep-blue
showJumplinks
true
titleJumplinks
Our approach
style
palette-white
showJumplinks
true
titleJumplinks
Conditions and treatments

  • Allergy and Clinical Immunology

    Access the most advanced clinical assessments, diagnostic tests, and treatments for the spectrum of allergic diseases and immune deficiency disorders at Mass General Brigham.

  • Infectious Diseases

    Our infectious disease specialists provide comprehensive care for HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, transplant-related infections, and more for patients across Greater Boston. Request an appointment.

  • Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Service

    We provide care to patients with asthma and nasal polyps who have AERD, as well as patients with severe nasal polyps who do not have AERD. Learn more.

  • Hives Program

    Our Hives Program is a regional referral center for patients with hives (urticaria). Our experts pinpoint the cause of hives and provide effective treatments.

  • Mastocytosis Program

    The Mastocytosis Program has been providing care for adults and children with mast cell activation disorders for over 20 years.

  • Food Allergy Program

    Get comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for food allergies from a leading multidisciplinary team.

  • Stinging Insect Allergy Program

    Our Stinging Insect Program provides allergy shots and other care to manage allergic reactions to bee venom and other insects that sting.

  • Environmental Allergies Program

    Get comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for environmental allergies from a leading multidisciplinary team.

  • Asthma Center

    The Asthma Center is a collaboration among allergists and pulmonologists providing comprehensive care for those with asthma and related diseases.

  • Immune Deficiency Program

    Get comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for immune deficiencies from a leading multidisciplinary team.

  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis Program

    Get comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) from a leading multidisciplinary team.

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

    We offer compassionate care and the latest treatments for children with environmental allergies, food allergies, and asthma. See how we can help your child.

style
palette-white
showJumplinks
false
titleJumplinks
Services and programs

Contact the Drug Hypersensitivity and Desensitization Program

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
Phone

Brigham and Women's Hospital
617-732-9850

Massachusetts General Hospital
617-726-3850

Cooley Dickinson Hospital
413-582-2114

International
International Patient Services
style
palette-light-teal
showJumplinks
true
titleJumplinks
Contact