Tolerance induction in hypersensitivity reactions from drugs: a brief overview
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Updated: May 1, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Andreas J Bircher1, Katrin Scherer Hofmeier1
1Allergy Unit, Dermatology Clinic, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4 CH-4031 Basel Switzerland.
Abstract:
Drug hypersensitivity reactions can occur with many drugs, are unpredictable, may affect any organ system and range widely in clinical severity from mild pruritus to exanthems to anaphylaxis. In most cases, the suspected drug must be avoided in the future. However, for certain patients, the particular drug may be essential for an optimal therapy. Under these circumstances, desensitization may be performed.
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