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Medicines That May Cause Swelling

Swelling can be a sign that you are having an allergic reaction to a medicine. This can happen with almost any medicine.

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines also may cause swelling as a side effect. A few examples are:

  • Corticosteroids.
  • Hormones, such as birth control pills and hormone therapy used to treat menopause symptoms.
  • Some blood pressure medicines.

Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking it.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Messenger, MD
Last Revised April 2, 2012

Last Revised: April 2, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & David Messenger, MD

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