Allergies
Latex Allergy
Latex is a protein found in the sap of a rubber tree grown in Africa and Southeast Asia. The term also refers to natural rubber products made from that sap. Around 4.3% of the general population has a latex allergy.1
If you have a latex allergy, you may have an allergic reaction if you come in contact with latex. You may come into contact in different ways. You may have allergic reactions by breathing in latex fibers in the air. You can have allergic reactions if latex touches your skin. You may have an allergic reaction to some fruits that cross-react with latex.
Many everyday products contain latex, such as:
- Balloons
- Erasers
- Condoms and diaphragms
- Rubber household gloves
- Medical gloves
- Catheters
- Dental products (wedges, orthodontic rubber bands)
- Elastic in clothing
- Rubber balls
- Bandages (adhesives)
- Foam mattresses and pillows
- Rubber bands (minor source)
This is just a small number of items that may contain latex.
Synthetic latex, found in latex paint, does not come from the sap of a rubber tree. Synthetic latex does not cause latex allergy symptoms.
How Do Doctors Diagnose a Latex Allergy?
If you think you may be allergic to latex, see a board-certified allergist to confirm the allergy. To diagnose a latex allergy, the doctor will ask you about your medical history and do a physical exam. If they think you have a latex allergy, they may order an allergy skin test or blood test [3]. Your doctor will compare your test results with your history and physical exam to diagnose a latex allergy.
What Are the Types of Latex Reactions?
There are 2 main types of reactions to natural rubber latex:
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated (classic immediate allergic reaction)
- Contact dermatitis [4] (delayed allergic reaction)
If you have any type of allergic reaction to latex, you should avoid it.
IgE-Mediated Latex Allergy
An IgE-mediated latex allergy is an allergy to natural rubber latex proteins. Your body’s immune system makes specific antibodies called IgE antibodies. These antibodies react with latex proteins and cause allergy symptoms [5].
An allergic reaction can occur when latex:
- Touches your skin
- Comes in contact with a mucous membrane, such as your mouth
- Gets into your lungs when you breathe in latex particles
IgE allergic reactions to latex can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis [6] [anna-fih-LACK-sis].
Contact Dermatitis
Dermatitis means skin inflammation. There are 2 types of contact dermatitis that can occur with a latex allergy:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of allergy to chemicals used to make latex. This is not a reaction to rubber proteins. It does not cause anaphylaxis.
These chemicals can cause contact dermatitis 24 to 48 hours after exposure. This type of dermatitis can spread to other areas of your body, if touched. Symptoms usually go away, but you may need medical treatment if they continue.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a common reaction to natural rubber latex, but it is not an allergy. Irritant contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that breaks out where latex has touched your skin. It appears 12 to 24 hours after contact.
Many people who develop an IgE-mediated latex allergy will have contact dermatitis first. If you have contact dermatitis to latex, it may be a warning that you could develop a latex allergy later. Talk with your allergist if contact with latex and products that contain latex cause you to have contact dermatitis.
What Are the Symptoms of a Latex Allergy?
You may have some early symptoms after you have contact with latex items, such as:
- Itchy or swollen lips after blowing up a balloon
- Itchy, red, or swollen skin after using a bandage and/or latex gloves
- Swelling or itching of the mouth or tongue after a dentist uses latex gloves
- Itching or swelling after vaginal or rectal exams
- Itching or swelling after using a condom or diaphragm
If you are highly allergic to latex, you may have severe reactions from contact with latex. You may even react to a small amount of latex in the air, such as being in a room near latex balloons or gloves. These more severe reactions can include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Breathing problems including asthma symptoms [7]
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis can be serious. It may even cause death.
Do not ignore symptoms that suggest you may be allergic to latex. Ongoing contact with latex products can lead to more severe reactions. Repeated exposure to latex may lead to chronic conditions like work-related (occupational) asthma [8].
Who Is Likely to Have a Latex Allergy?
Certain groups of people tend to have a greater risk of developing a latex allergy. These groups include:
- People who have had many surgeries or medical procedures – for example, children with spina bifida or people who frequently use catheters containing latex
- Health care workers and other people who often wear latex gloves (for example, food handlers/restaurant workers, hairdressers, security personnel, first responders, and painters)
- People with other allergies, such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) [9] and food allergies [10]
New cases of latex allergy aren’t as common now. Rates were higher in the 1980s and ‘90s when health care workers used latex products more often. Now many health care facilities use non-latex gloves and products.
How Can I Prevent Allergic Reactions to Latex?
If you have a latex allergy, work with your doctor to learn how to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to treat it.
- Avoid latex. The only treatment for a latex allergy is to prevent any contact with latex products.
- Ask coworkers to wear only non-latex gloves.
- Ask doctors, dentists, and other health care workers to use latex-free gloves and products.
- Check labels to make sure products do not contain latex. Do not assume hypoallergenic products are latex free.
- Ask your doctor for a written Anaphylaxis Action Plan. This gives you steps on what to do if you have anaphylaxis to latex.
- Learn how to use an epinephrine delivery device [11]. This medicine is the first line of treatment for an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is safe. If you have an allergic reaction, use epinephrine. If symptoms don’t get better in 5 minutes, use a second dose of epinephrine. If symptoms still don’t improve, get medical help right away (call 911 or a local ambulance service).
- Carry epinephrine with you at all times.
- Teach people who spend time with you how to give epinephrine.
- Wear a medical alert ID or jewelry so other people, such as first responders or health care workers, know you have a latex allergy in an emergency.
Are Latex and Food Allergies Related?
Some foods have proteins that are like the proteins in rubber tree sap. If you have a latex allergy, you may have reactions to some foods. This is called “latex-fruit syndrome” or “latex-food allergy syndrome.” About 30 to 50% of people with a latex allergy have latex-fruit syndrome.2
Here are some of the foods you may react to if you have a latex allergy:
- Most common:
- Banana
- Chestnut
- Kiwi
- Less common:
- Apricot
- Avocado
- Celery
- Bell pepper
- Coconut
- Fig
- Mango
- Papaya
- Passion fruit
- Peach
- Pineapple
- Spinach
- Strawberry
- Tomato
Medical Review [12]: September 2024 by Mitchell H. Grayson, MD
Closed
Drug Company Assistance Programs
The medicines covered by the programs below may change at any time. The following medicines are covered as of Jan. 24, 2025.
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- AIRSUPRA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you have employer-provided or individual private (commercial) insurance, you may be able to get AIRSUPRA for as low as $0 with the SUPRA Savings Card [13].
If you have government insurance: For people with Medicare Part D coverage, the average out-of-pocket cost is $89 per month. For people with Medicaid, the out-of-pocket costs range from $.99-$13 per month. Some states offer even lower copays or eliminate the copay altogether. If you have Medicare Part D and cannot afford AIRSUPRA, you may be eligible for the patient assistance program, AZ&Me [14].
If you have no insurance: If you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover AIRSUPRA, you will pay the amount determined by your pharmacy. You may also be eligible for the patient assistance program, AZ&Me [14].
Learn more on the Cost Assistance with AIRSUPRA [15] website or call 866-480-0030.
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- BEVESPI AEROSPHERE®
- BREZTRI AEROSPHERE®
- SYMBICORT®
- FASENRA®
- TEZSPIRE®
If you have commercial insurance, government insurance, or no insurance:
AstraZeneca US Patient Support offers various savings for several of their medicines. They offer copay savings cards and patient assistance programs depending on what type of insurance you have.
For more information, visit AZPatientSupport [16] or call 800-236-9933.
AstraZeneca has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap. [17]
Company:
- AstraZeneca
Medicines offered:
- TEZSPIRE®
If you have commercial insurance: The TEZSPIRE Together Co-Pay Program [18] can help may help you save regardless of income if you qualify. Get doses for as little as $0 and up to $100 off your in-office administration costs (pre-filled syringe only). Learn more on the TEZSPIRE Together Co-Pay Program [18] website or call 888-987-7473.
If you have government insurance: The TEZSPIRE Together Program [19], you may be able receive TEZSPIRE at no cost if you qualify. This includes people who:
- Are uninsured
- Have Medicare Part B with no supplemental insurance
- Have a Medicare Advantage plan with an affordability gap
- Have insurance that does not cover TEZSPIRE
For more information, call 888-987-7473.
Company:
- Boehringer Ingelheim
Medicines offered:
- Atrovent® HFA
- Combivent® Respimat®
- Spiriva® Respimat®
- Stiolto® Respimat®
- Striverdi® Respimat®
If you have commercial insurance or don’t have insurance: If you qualify, your cost will automatically be discounted when you buy these inhalers at participating retail pharmacies. If your cost is more than $35, download and use a savings card. Learn more at: InhalerOffer.com [20]
If you have government-funded insurance: If you use Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE, visit the Boehinger Cares Patient Assistance Program [21] webpage or call 800-556-8317 to apply for assistance.
Boehringer Ingelheim has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap. [17]
Company:
- Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Medicines offered:
- DUPIXENT®
If you have commercial insurance: The Dupixent MyWay® Copay Card may help you lower the cost of your copay. Learn more on the Dupixent MyWay Copay Card website [22] or call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover Dupixent: You can apply for the DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program [23]. For more information or to sign up, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
If you have Medicare: At this time, there is not a savings program for Dupixent if you have Medicare. Call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1 for more information.
If you have Medicaid: Your copay and coverage may vary depending on what state you live in. If you meet the criteria, you may also be able to get help from the DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program [23]. For more information or to sign up, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936), option 1.
Medicines covered:
- Epinephrine devices – all brands
Savings programs:
- See AAFA’s list of all available epinephrine devices [24] and their patient assistance programs.
Company:
- Genentech
Medicines offered:
- Xolair®
If you have commercial insurance: Genentech offers a copay savings program for Xolair [25]. You may also be able to get help from an independent copay assistance foundation [26]. 
If you have government insurance or don’t have insurance: You may be able to get help from an independent copay assistance foundation. Find programs. [26]
Company:
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Medicines offered:
- ARNUITY ELIPTA
- ANORO ELLIPTA
- BREO ELLIPTA
- INCRUSE ELLIPTA
- NUCALA®
- SEREVENT®
- TRELEGY®
If you have commercial insurance: You may be eligible for the GSK Copay Assistance Program [27].
If you have Medicare or no insurance: You may qualify for the GSK Patient Assistance Program [28]. This program can help you receive certain GSK prescription medicines and vaccines at no cost.
For more information, visit GSK Patient Assistance Program & Savings Offers [29] or call 888-825-5249.
GSK has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap. [17]
Company:
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
Medicines offered:
- NUCALA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you have a commercial medical or prescription insurance plan, you may be able to take part on the NUCALA Copay Program [30]. If you are approved, the GSK Copay Program may help with your cost share for NUCALA and the your cost share for administration up to the total annual copay program maximums.
If you have government insurance or no insurance: You are not eligible for this program if you are covered by any federal or state prescription insurance program.
For more information, visit the NUCALA Copay Program [31] website or call 800-691-1939.
Company:
- Organon
Medicines offered:
- ASMANEX® HFA
- ASMANEX® TWISTHALER®
- DULERA®
If you have commercial insurance: If you qualify, you may be able to save with an ASMANEX Multiuse Savings Coupon [32].
If you qualify, you may pay as little as $15 per Dulera prescription [33] on each of up to 12 qualifying prescriptions. The maximum savings is $90 per prescription.
If you have government insurance or no insurance: At this time, there is no assistance program if you have Medicaid or Medicare.
Company:
- Teva
Medicines Covered:
- QVAR RediHaler®
- CINQAIR®
Teva Cares Patient Assistance Program [34] provides certain Teva medicines at no cost if you live in the United States and meet specific insurance and income criteria. Learn more about program eligibility. [35]
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Teva Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Programs, you may be eligible for help from other programs they offer.
For more information, visit the Teva Cares Foundation [36] website or call 888-838-2872.
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Pharmacy Drug Savings Programs
Program Name:
- Blink Health [38]
Contact Information:
- 844-265-6444
- info@blinkhealth.com [39]
About the Program:
- Blink Health finds the lowest price for the medicines you need. Find discounted prescription prices on more than 15,000 medicines.
Program Name:
- BlinkRX [40]
Contact Information:
- 844-926-2480
- support@blinkrx.com [41]
About the Program:
- BlinkRx is a digital pharmacy service that carries certain medicines. They can provide the lowest prescription price while providing free home delivery.
Program Name:
- GoodRx [42]
Contact Information:
- 855-268-2822
About the Program:
- GoodRx is a free resource that lets you compare medicine prices and find discounts.
Looking for savings on asthma inhalers? See the GoodRx Savings Guide [43] for ways you may be able to save money on 25 asthma inhalers.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 833-317-2937
About the Program:
- The Kroger Health Savings Club is an annual membership program that entitles members to reduced prices on prescription drugs.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- Online Contact Form [46]
About the Program:
- Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company offers access to affordable medicines at the lowest possible price. Learn about program eligibility. [47]
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- 888-331-1002
About the Program:
- The SCBN Prescription Assistance program is for uninsured or underinsured people who cannot afford their prescribed medicines.
- The program requires a membership fee to participate.
Program Name:
Contact Information:
- Contact your local Walmart pharmacy
About the Program:
- The Walmart low-cost Prescription Program includes up to a 30-day supply for $4 and a 90-day supply for $10 of some covered generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. Prices for some drugs covered by the program may vary by state.
Program Name:
- Prescription Hope [50]
Contact Information:
- 877-296-4673
About the Program:
- Prescription Hope provides access to brand-name medicines for only $60 a month per medication through their medication access service. Learn about program eligibility [51].
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Nonprofit Copay and Premium Assistance Programs
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-511-5144 (TTY 711)
- customercare@acariahealth.com [53]
About the Program:
- AcariaHealth provides specialty pharmacy services for people living with complex and chronic health conditions. Their Copay Assistance Support Team will research and apply to qualifying patient assistance programs on behalf of the patient. Learn about the program [54].
Organization:
- Accessia Health [55]
Contact Information:
- 800-366-7741
About the Program:
- Accessia Health provides financial help to pay for copays, health insurance premiums, travel costs, and other medical expenses. Learn about program eligibility [56].
Organization:
- Good Days [57]
Contact Information:
- 877-968-7233
About the Program:
- Good Days provides financial support for people who cannot afford the treatment they urgently need.
- Copay, travel, premium, and diagnostic testing assistance may be available.
- Learn about eligibility criteria [58].
Organization:
- Harbor Path [59]
Contact Information:
- 980-859-3483
- info@harborpath.org
About the Program:
- Harbor Path delivers lifesaving medicine for free to people who are uninsured. They currently serve 24 states. Use the eligibility calculator to see if you qualify. [60]
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 800-675-8416
- grants@healthwellfoundation.org [62]
About the Program:
- HealthWell Foundation provide financial assistance to help with prescription copays, travel costs, behavioral health services, health insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 866-316-7263
About the Program:
- The PAN Foundation offers financial help for out-of-pocket medicine costs including copays, health insurance premiums, and transportation costs related to medical care. Learn about program eligibility [64]. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 866-512-3861
About the Program:
- PAF’s Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program provides direct financial help to qualified people with co-payments, co-insurance or cost-sharing associated with prescription drugs through funds for specific disease states. Learn about program eligibility [66]. Please note that diseases covered may change from time to time.
Organization:
- Rx Outreach [67]
Contact Information:
- 800-769-3880
About the Program:
- Rx Outreach provides discounted medicines for eligible people. Learn about the program. [68]
Organization:
Contact Information:
- 855-845-3663
About the Program:
- TAF helps people and families by providing them with financial help for their copays, coinsurance, premiums, deductibles, and other health-related expenses.
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Patient Assistance Tools and Databases
Tool:
- BenefitsCheckUp® [70] – National Council on Aging
Contact Information:
- 800-794-6559
More Information:
- BenefitsCheckUp® is a free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). It is an online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefit programs such as health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.
Tool:
- Dispensary of Hope [71]
Contact Information:
- 615-736-5075
- info@dispensaryofhope.org [72]
About the Program:
- Dispensary of Hope provides medicine to communities, free of cost. They are a charitable medication distributor dedicated to providing pharmacies and clinics with reliable access to medication that was generously donated by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Find a dispensing site near you, here. [73]
Tool:
- NeedyMeds [74]
Contact Information:
- 800-503-6897
- info@needymeds.org
More Information:
- A national nonprofit that connects people to programs that may help them afford their medicines and other health care costs.
Tool:
- PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) [75] – Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Contact Information:
- 571-350-8643
More Information:
- PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine for many patient assistance resources offered by drug makers.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- info@rxassist.org [77]
More Information:
- RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs. Learn about the eligibility requirements. [78]
Tool:
- SingleCare [79]
Contact Information:
- 844-234-3057
- support@singlecare.com [80]
More Information:
- SingleCare works with pharmacies on discounts on prescriptions. Look up prescriptions to find the lowest prices in your area.
Tool:
Contact Information:
- 800-719-5147
- rxsavingsfinder@rxsense.com
About the Program:
- Walgreens Rx Savings Finder can help you find prescription discount cards that can help you find the lowest price on a medicine at Walgreens.
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State Drug Assistance Programs
Organization:
- Extra Help [82] – Social Security Administration
Contact Information:
- 800-772-1213
- (TTY 800-325-0778)
More Information:
- The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Medicare Part D costs.
Organization:
- State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) [83] – National Technical Assistance Center
Contact Information:
- 877-839-2675
- info@shiphealth.org
More Information:
- Free insurance counseling and help to Medicare-eligible people, their families, and caregivers.
Organization:
- California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal [84] – CalAIM
Contact Information:
- Contact your local county office.
More Information:
- CalAIM offers people on Medi-Cal access to services that address physical, behavioral, developmental, dental, and long-term care needs.
Organization:
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program [85] – Medicare.gov
More Information:
- Find out if your state has a state pharmaceutical assistance program [85].
Organization:
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Program [86] – Medicare.gov
More Information:
- Learn more about pharmaceutical companies that offer programs to help pay for prescriptions for people with a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D).
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Community Resources
American Sleep Apnea Association [87]: Assists people with sleep apnea who cannot afford their CPAP mask supplies through the CPAP Assistance Program.
Friends of Man [88]: Receives applications for mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more. The referral must be made by a professional. This includes caseworkers, case managers, health care workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers, and clergy.
FoodFinder [89]: A map of food pantries across the United States. Search your ZIP code to learn about free food assistance programs near you.
FundFinder [90]: Helps you find financial assistance from charitable foundations.
Inspira Financial [91]: Funds in a health savings account (HSA) or a health care flexible spending account (FSA) can be used for eligible medical expenses.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul [92]: A national non-profit that provides local assistance and services.
United Way 211 [93]: The most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country.
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AAFA Regional Chapters
The AAFA New England Chapter [94] has more information on drug assistance for Massachusetts residents.
The AAFA Michigan Chapter [95] has more information on drug assistance for Michigan residents, including the Jared Williams Medication Fund (JWMF).
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[97]Related Content
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