Think You Have A Penicillin Allergy The Good News Is You May Not
If I Have A Penicillin Allergy Does That Mean I Will Be Allergic to Other Antibiotics?
Roughly 10% of the population believes they have a penicillin allergy. The truth is that fewer than 10% of people with a reported penicillin allergy actually have one. This topic has garnered significant attention recently after a large review article published by the Journal of the American Medical Association highlighted this important issue. The article jointly endorsed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America urges individuals who have been diagnosed to confirm with a certified allergist for a variety of reasons. Even if someone had a true allergic reaction to penicillin, this particular allergy often dissipates after about ten years. Once someone has confirmed with an allergist that they are no longer allergic, the patient often times has better future treatment of infections, fewer dangerous side effects of the antibiotics used in place of penicillin, and overall lower cost of care. Penicillins tend to be safer to use than the antibiotics which are used instead in those who are labeled as allergic. Our 3 board-certified allergists are happy to help confirm if you have a penicillin allergy. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 641-6134. So, what do you need to know about Penicillin? 1. What is penicillin? 2. How common in penicillin allergy? 3. How do I know if I am still allergic to penicillin? 4. Is penicillin allergy genetic? How Common Is Penicillin AllergyAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 1 percent of people have a true penicillin allergy, even though about 10 percent of people tell their doctors they are allergic to penicillin. Sometimes, a common reaction to penicillin is mistaken for an allergy. In other cases, a person may report a family history of penicillin allergy, but penicillin allergy is not passed down through families. Other Beta Lactam AntibioticsPenicillins are beta lactam drugs but in case of allergy to penicillins, other beta lactam drugs can be used safely. Besides penicillins, other beta lactams are given as such:
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