When our GP or specialist hands us a prescription, most of us trust that the medication will do more good than harm.
After all, antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in Australia, and for many, they’re a routine part of treating everything from chest infections to skin complaints.
But what if that little white pill could trigger a life-threatening reaction—one that even your doctor might not see coming?
That’s exactly what happened to Elle Dunn, whose story is a sobering reminder that even the most familiar medications can carry hidden dangers.
A routine prescription with devastating consequences
At just 15, Elle was prescribed minocycline—a widely used antibiotic often given for acne—by her dermatologist.
Like many teens, she was eager to clear up her skin before her sister’s wedding. But within days of starting the medication, things took a terrifying turn.
Elle’s jaw began to lock up, and strange rashes appeared on her skin. Her family reassured her that these were probably typical side effects, but the rashes quickly spread, and by the time the wedding arrived, she was covered in hives and running a dangerously high fever.
Unbeknownst to Elle and her family, her immune system was in overdrive, attacking her own organs in a rare but severe reaction known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DReSS) syndrome.
What is DReSS syndrome?
DReSS is a hypersensitivity reaction that can be triggered by certain medications, most commonly antibiotics and anti-epileptic drugs. The immune system, instead of simply fighting off infection, goes haywire—attacking healthy tissues and organs. Symptoms can include:
- High fever
- Widespread, measles-like rashes
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Increased white blood cell count
- Inflammation and damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs
The syndrome is rare—affecting about one in 10,000 people who take the triggering drugs—but it’s deadly serious. Around 10% of those affected do not survive.
A diagnosis missed—and a life in the balance
Elle’s ordeal didn’t end with her initial symptoms. As her condition worsened, doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause.
She was misdiagnosed with parvovirus, a common childhood illness, and sent home. But her pain and rashes only intensified, and she was soon back in the hospital—her organs failing, her life hanging in the balance.
It was only when a sharp-eyed medical student, fresh from a week of studying rare drug reactions, recognised the signs of DReSS that Elle finally got the right diagnosis. By then, she had stopped breathing for 30 minutes and required emergency intervention.
Treatment and recovery
Once DReSS was identified, Elle was treated with high-dose steroids to suppress her immune system and halt the attack on her organs.
Recovery was slow and gruelling, involving weeks of medication and close monitoring. The experience left her—and her family—shaken and far more cautious about the risks of even ‘routine’ medications.
Why don’t we hear more about these risks?
Minocycline and other antibiotics are prescribed to millions of people every year, not just for acne but for a range of bacterial infections.
While most people tolerate these drugs well, rare reactions like DReSS can be catastrophic. The challenge is that these reactions are unpredictable and can occur even in people with no history of allergies.
Doctors are trained to weigh the risks and benefits of every prescription, but with rare side effects, the warning signs can be easy to miss—especially when symptoms mimic more common illnesses.
What can you do to protect yourself?
While stories like Elle’s are rare, they highlight the importance of being an informed and proactive patient. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Ask questions: When prescribed a new medication, ask your doctor about possible side effects—especially rare but serious ones. Don’t be afraid to ask, ‘What should I watch out for?’
2. Read the information leaflet: It’s easy to toss aside the paperwork that comes with your prescription, but it often contains vital information about warning signs and when to seek help.
3. Monitor your symptoms: If you develop a rash, fever, or any unusual symptoms after starting a new medication, contact your doctor immediately. Early intervention can be lifesaving.
4. Keep a medication record: Especially if you’re taking multiple medications, keep a list handy and share it with every healthcare provider you see.
5. Report adverse reactions: In Australia, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This helps improve drug safety for everyone.
The bigger picture: Antibiotic safety in Australia
Australia has one of the highest rates of antibiotic use in the world, and while these drugs save countless lives, overuse and misuse can increase the risk of side effects—not to mention contribute to antibiotic resistance.
It’s a good reminder that antibiotics should only be used when truly necessary, and always under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Elle’s message: Awareness saves lives
Now in her late 20s, Elle is passionate about raising awareness of DReSS and the importance of being vigilant with medications.
‘If my story can help even one person recognise the signs early and get the right diagnosis, then it’s worth sharing,’ she says.
Her experience is a powerful call to action for all of us—patients and doctors alike—to take medication safety seriously, ask questions, and never ignore unusual symptoms.
Have you or someone you know experienced a severe reaction to a medication? Do you always read the information leaflet, or do you trust your doctor’s advice? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below. Your experience could help others stay safe and informed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you have health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions.
Also read: Big win for health: More prescription medicines to become cheaper
Always read the information provided. It is provided for a reason.
And if you suffer any of the adverse symptoms stop taking it immediately and seek out medical advice which may mean a trip to a hospital ED if the adverse symptoms are severe.