News Release

Consider penicillin, even if you have had a prior reaction

Research indicates you can start taking penicillin again once you've tested negative

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 5, 2015) - Most people who think they're allergic to penicillin have been told so by a doctor after they've had a reaction to the drug. And the majority, even though they've never been allergy tested, never take penicillin again.

A study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, examined the records of 15 patients who, after being told they were penicillin-allergic, tested negative for penicillin allergy, and were then able to be treated with intravenous penicillin on multiple occasions.

"We found intravenous penicillins to be safe for repeated use in patients who had been told they were allergic," said allergist David Khan, MD, study author and ACAAI fellow. "Of the patients whose records we examined, there were no adverse drug reactions or evidence of recurrence of their penicillin allergy. There is often thought to be a higher risk in patients who get intravenous penicillin, but we did not find this to be the case. Previous reported reactions included rash, hives and swollen lips, but none of those reactions occurred after allergy testing, and treatment with multiple courses of intravenous penicillins."

About 10 percent of Americans carry a label of penicillin allergy, and others have an "allergic history" to other antibiotics. As a result, they are often prescribed more toxic, dangerous and expensive antibiotics that might not be necessary.

"Recent research has shown that patients who are labeled penicillin-allergic and take other antibiotics are more likely to have poor outcomes, such as development of colitis, longer hospital stays and greater numbers of antibiotic-resistant infections," said allergist Roland Solensky, MD, ACAAI member and meeting presenter. "There has been a push to be more proactive and evaluate patients with history of penicillin allergy even when they're well and not in need of an antibiotic. The vast majority turn out not to be allergic and can be treated with penicillin."

At the Annual Meeting, Dr. Solensky will present "Drug allergy: options beyond avoidance" where he will discuss options for patients who have drug allergies, as well as patients who have been told they have drug allergies, but do not.

"Anyone who has been told they are penicillin allergic, but who hasn't been tested by an allergist, should be tested," said Dr. Khan. "An allergist will work with you to find out if you're truly allergic to penicillin, and to determine what your options are for treatment if you are. If you're not, you'll be able to use medications that are safer, often more effective and less expensive."

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Abstract Title: Risk of Re-sensitization to Penicillins After Recurrent Intravenous Administration in Skin Test Negative
Author: David Khan, MD, ACAAI fellow

For more information about allergies and to locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. The ACAAI Annual Meeting is November 5-9, 2015 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX. For more news and research being presented at the ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting, follow the conversation on Twitter #ACAAI.

About ACAAI

The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.


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