avoidance of antitoxins that may cause serum sickness is the best way to prevent serum sickness. although, sometimes, the benefits outweigh the risks in the case of a life-threatening bite or sting. prophylactic antihistamines or corticosteroids may be used concomitant with the antitoxin. skin testing may be done 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's appropriate or continue with prophylactic measures.