Do You or a Loved One Really Have a Penicillin Allergy? Here’s How to Find Out.

 Five Things You Need to Know:

1. Commonly Reported: Penicillin is the most frequently reported drug allergy, cited by 10% of patients in the US. However, true penicillin allergies are rare.
2. Possible Reactions: Past reactions to penicillin, such as hives, itchiness, and rashes, are common side effects and do not necessarily indicate an allergy.
3. Treatment Implications: Patients with a penicillin allergy label are more likely to be treated with second-line or alternative broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can be more toxic and less effective.
4. Risk Stratification Testing: This testing can help identify patients who are not actually allergic to penicillin.
5. Benefits of Removing the Label: Eliminating your penicillin allergy label ensures you have access to the best antibiotic options for treating infections.

Schedule Your Assessment: Call 856.963.3518 (Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to schedule a telehealth appointment with Cooper Infectious Disease’s Moorestown office to assess your allergy and discuss if further evaluation is necessary.