What are drug allergies?
There are many types of reactions to drugs. Some reactions may be known side effects of the medication. Other drug reactions may occur in certain predisposed individuals, and others still may be allergic in nature. Common symptoms may include rashes, swelling, hives, shortness of breath, anaphylaxis, as well as other symptoms.
I was told I am allergic to Penicillin. Is there any way to test for this allergy?
Yes, we can perform testing to find out if you are still allergic to penicillin. Studies suggest that over 80% of people who have listed Penicillin as a drug allergy are no longer allergic to Penicillin.
Why should I be tested for my Penicillin allergy?
Patients who are allergic to penicillin have an increased rate of allergic reaction to other commonly prescribed antibiotics such as cephalosporins.
Many physicians do not prescribe cephalosporin antibiotics to those with penicillin allergy. Removing two of the most commonly prescribes classes of antibiotics will limit the antibiotics available for treatment, which leads to treatment with second line agents that may not be the best choice of antibiotic for your infection. In some cases a penicillin or cephalosporin may be the only antibiotic that can treat a resistant infection.
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We have offices in New Milford, Ridgefield, and Danbury.