Penicillin Allergy
Think you are penicillin allergic but not sure?
Our clinic can help you find out, which could assist your doctors in treating your infections more wisely, and prevent the potential of antibiotic resistance in the future.
Allergy to penicillin and related antibiotics is the most commonly reported drug allergy in the United States. However, more than 85% of people who believe they are penicillin allergic are found to be skin test negative, when tested with the PRE-PEN® skin test.
The procedure for skin testing with PRE-PEN is easy, safe and takes approximately one hour to complete. If the skin test is negative, you may be administered a dose of oral penicillin or amoxicillin in our office and observed for one hour to confirm your ability to safely tolerate the drug.
Why are so many people incorrectly labeled as penicillin allergic?
Many patients were never allergic in the first place — the rash you had when you were younger may have been due to a viral illness rather than to penicillin administered at that time. Also, many patients with true penicillin allergy lose their allergy over time.
Why do I want to know if I am not penicillin allergic?
Penicillin antibiotics are often less expensive, less toxic and more effective than other antibiotics. Plus, the over-use of penicillin alternatives is often related to development of drug resistant bacteria, which is a serious public health concern.
Who can be tested?
Patients with a history of suspected penicillin allergy.
Call DeFatta ENT & Allergy at (715) 828-2368 for more information or to schedule an appointment for evaluation of whether penicillin testing is appropriate for you.
