Do You Really Have a Penicillin Allergy?
If not, you may not be getting the best antibiotic for your infection.
The Facts
While 10% of all people in the US report an allergic reaction to penicillins...
Studies actually show that less than 1% of the population is truly allergic to penicillin.
Why Might This Be?
- Most people who have a penicillin allergy lose their allergy within 10 years.
- Side effects from a medication might seem like allergic reactions, but they are not the same. Some people may have incorrectly labeled a side effect as an allergic reaction.
- Some people may believe they are allergic to penicillin due to a family member’s allergy. People do not need to avoid penicillin if a family member is allergic.
Side Effects vs. Allergies
A side effect is a symptom caused by a medication you took. Side effects are common. They are usually mild and go away quickly. Examples of common side effects include feeling sick to your stomach and having diarrhea.
An allergic reaction is caused by the immune system‘s reaction to a medication. Allergies are rare and usually happen every time you take a particular medication. These occur right away or shortly after taking a medication. Allergic reactions can include itchy rashes, trouble breathing, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.
Why Does It Matter?
Penicillin and other similar antibiotics often work better for certain infections (i.e., antibiotics given before surgery or dental procedures). People who report a penicillin allergy often receive other antibiotics that cause more side effects. If your health care provider discovers that you do not have a true penicillin allergy, they will have more options to treat your bacterial infection.
Make sure you’re getting the best antibiotic for your infection. Talk to your health care provider today about your penicillin allergy.
References:
- CDC. Is It Really a Penicillin Allergy?
- Khan DA, Banerji A, Blumenthal KG, et al. Drug allergy: A 2022 practice parameter update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2022;150(6):1333-1393.
- AAAAI. Penicillin Allergy FAQ. Updated Sept 2023.