SMZ-TMP DS and allergic to sulfa drugs

I began taking SMZ on the evening of 11-16--09. 2 a day for the duration. On Thursday afternoon my hands began to quiver and shake and I felt very week. I was dizzy and could barely walk. I usually read the side effects of drugs but I have had the same doctor for 20 years and didn't much think that he would prescribe such a menace to society. That evening I went to the ER and my symptoms were "flu-like" but I had no fever, BP was fine and EKG was OK. I got on the net and discovered side effects that exactly matched what I was experiencing. I felt fine Saturday and worked around the house. Later, the symptoms started again (my last dose was Thursday evening) only this time my insides were quivering and I had palpitations. What the hell was the FDA thinking with this stuff? Someone got a new car in the driveway. Has anyone died because of this crap? My whole life I have never been allergic to sulfa drugs. Could be the PABA. Remember years ago when they had to remove it from sun protection products because it caused a severe rash? I think it's the same product. Coppertone advertised "PABA free products" and was successful in overcoming a possible problem.

E. from Columbia

I have been on this for 6 days for a UTI. I personally am not allergic to sulfa drugs and have had absolutely no problem while on it so I can't speak to specific side effects but I do have something to say about it. I'm a little confused as to why so many of you believe that this drug should be taken off the market. Surprise, a lot of people are allergic to sulfa drugs which accounts for the vast majority of adverse events described by nearly everyone on this post. And guess what, every single drug comes with side effects (Tylenol, Advil, Tums, etc. are no exception) and you accept the risk of those side effects when you put it in your body and weigh that risk against the possible benefits. It's not your doctor's or the drug company's fault you're allergic! Antibiotics, including this one, have saved millions upon millions of lives. It seems intuitive but it evidently must be said: if you're allergic to it STOP TAKING IT and call your doctor so he can prescribe a different antibiotic. Seriously people, it's not rocket science. Hives are a pretty straight- forward symptom of an allergy and one that can be diagnosed by the lay person. I am a medical professional, but even if I wasn't, you don't need an MD behind your name to figure that one out. Why would you continue to take it after having an obvious reaction? (a reaction that, by the way, is a well documented, clearly stated possible side effect of this particular medication if you'd taken the time to ask any questions whatsoever regarding your own health, not a surprise adverse event of a bad drug) It's not rocket science, it's common sense people. When I'm prescribed something I'm not familiar with, my first question is, "What do I need to know about this." Even after a satisfactory explanation, I look it up before taking it. In fact, that's how I found this post. Which brings me to my last point, why is it that people blindly put things into their bodies that they know nothing about. If the pharmacist doesn't explain drug information to you in person, that's what the little drug safety pamphlet attached to your Rx is for. Read it, that's why it's there. OR, there's always the option of using this wonderful resource called the internet. Use your brains for god sake and take a more active, responsible, and informed role in your own healthcare process. You are ultimately responsible for your own health, and to be completely honest, you're one of the only people who actually cares about it (guess what, your doctor probably isn't one of them because he has a hundred other pain in the ass patients with no common sense to keep track of). Think people...

i have been taking this medication and ive been itching .
nearly scratching my arms off
and making me throw up .
and get sicker than i was

I broke out in a slightly raised rash that started on my chest and spread to my arms, stomach and legs. I thought I had fifths disease except that there was no fever or runny nose before the rash appeared. According to the pharmacy - you can have a severe reaction to it if you are allergic to sulfa drugs (which I am). Next time I won't be so quick to believe everything my doctor says before trying something new..