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Prevention

Avoidance of antitoxins that may cause serum sickness is the best way to prevent serum sickness. Sometimes, the benefits of using an antitoxin outweigh the risks in the case of a life-threatening bite or sting. Prophylactic antihistamines or corticosteroids may be used with an antitoxin. Skin testing may be used beforehand in order to identify individuals who may be at risk of a reaction. Physicians should make their patients aware of the drugs or antitoxins to which they are allergic if there is a reaction. The physician will then choose an alternate antitoxin if it is appropriate, or continue with prophylactic measures. This is important if a patient has received an antitoxin before, as the serum sickness caused can be worse and occur more quickly.