We have identified panels of proxy single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are highly predictive of particular HLA risk alleles, and concordant across multi-ethnic populations. Accordingly, methods are provided involving clinical DNA testing for HLA panel markers to assess risk for life-threatening adverse drug reactions associated with the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles HLA-B*57:01, HLA-B*15:02, HLA-A*31:01 and HLA-B*58:01. Methods of treating a subject with a drug associated with an adverse drug reaction (ADR) are provided. Based on the assessed risk to a subject for developing an adverse drug reaction in response to a drug, appropriate administrations of the drug can be made. In some embodiments of the method, the drug is administered when there is a low assessed risk of ADR in the subject. Alternatively, when there is a high assessed risk of ADR in the subject, a reduced dosage of the drug, or no drug, can be administered.