Penicillin Allergy. Are You Really Allergic?

In this thought-provoking episode of "Talking with Docs," the knowledgeable medical experts engage in a crucial conversation surrounding the topic of penicillin allergies. Delving into the complexities of this issue, the doctors bring to light the emerging understanding that some individuals might not actually possess a true penicillin allergy, despite previous claims. Through insightful discussions and compelling case studies, they elucidate the importance of accurate allergy testing and the implications of misdiagnosed penicillin allergies. By dispelling common misconceptions and emphasizing the significance of proper medical evaluation, the doctors aim to equip their audience with the necessary knowledge to ensure effective and safe antibiotic usage. "Talking with Docs" continues to serve as a valuable platform for fostering informed discussions and promoting patient education in the realm of healthcare.

Medical emergency
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General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

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[JohnPMiller]

My mother told me I was allergic to penicillin. When I was in my 30's and living in France, my doctor told me it probably wasn't true and gave me amoxicillin. I broke out in hives. Now I have both penicillin and amoxicillin on my list of allergens.

[SandiRose]

The doctors tell me I have a Medication Sensitivity. I cannot take strong meds. Penicillin and other meds, like opiates, make me so utterly sick that I can't get well from the original illness. So I just tell the doctors and the pharmacists to list them in my records. The pharmacists always ask me about the prescriptions before they issue them!!! Thank goodness. Thank you Docs for the video!!

[kerryevans]

I developed an penicillin allergy at 45. I have had 2 reactions. The last on sent me to the ER.
I was also taught biology by Alexander Fleming's granddaughter. Best teacher ever.

[Reflectionpast]

Interesting that this subject comes up because for years I was told I was allergic to penicillin and I never believed I was.
In 1986 I was taken penicillin for some kind of illness and on the 2nd last day of a 10 or 7 day treatment I broke out in hives all over my face and body. After being treated for the hives my family doctor deemed I was allergic. I asked to be tested to be sure and was denied for some reason I don't remember. So for years I told Healthcare personnel that I was allergic and not truly believing it.
I had my gallbladder removed in 2013 as an out patient and of course told them I had a penicillin allergy. In recovery the nurse asked me what my reaction to penicillin. I told her that it was hives and then asked her why she was asking, she told me because the doctor gave me a shot of penicillin.
From that day forward I just stopped telling doctors that I had a penicillin allergy.
I had no reaction to that shot of penicillin.
I'm in a new province not with new files and no mention of any penicillin allergies.
Now weather I did the right thing remains to be seen.
Just thought I'd share my story.

[eamannmacdonnchada]

Exactly as you suggest, I had tonsilitis every 5 minutes when I was a kid, was repeatedly dosed with penicillin and was eventually told I was allergic to it, I can't remember the details. As an adult I had myself checked by an allergy specialist who told me that there was no evidence that that was in fact true

[carolynblizzard]

Same story as many others. I broke out in hives once while taking penicillin and was told to avoid it. I recently was convinced to take it for a stubborn post surgical infection. The doctors had tried many antibiotics including IV ones for 2 out of the 5 weeks I was on them. I was very anxious when I took the first pill. Hubby and daughter waited with me in case. I was fine! I had been told that even if I did react it would be mild. So penicillin is back in my arsenal.

[wong]

Hello docs! Mike from you Marlin Perkins reference
I wanted to let you know that your videos helped enormously with the pre op anxiety I was torturing myself with.

I had my RTHR on September 25. Posterior approach using the MAKO robot and striker components. Walking with walker and home on 36 hours .

I won't sugarcoat anything, I had significant pain for the first three weeks. Taking meds on a regular schedule kept the pain from becoming overwhelming. Each week I can get by with less of the opiate, my kidneys aren't playing well with others so I'm trying to wean off the opiate onto Tylenol and a muscle relaxer.

The PT ( Physical Terrorism) have my best interest in heart, but I really need the strong stuff prior and after.

The trouble sleeping you discussed is absolutely accurate, and miserable! I believe sincerely that I get real, restful sleep twice a week.

Anyway, the information you kind orthopods up in the mysterious white land to the North had been very helpful and reassuring for me.

Thanks so very much for your work, and sense of humor!

Mike Wong
Old enough to remember all the good shows.

get what

[Sand]

I am allergic to clindamycin. But one or both of my brothers say they are allergic to penicillin. I will forward this video to them.

[lindamartin]

Currently on amoxicillin for infected tooth. I have nausea and depression, which are side effects that can happen. That doesn’t mean I’m allergic to it, just that my body doesn’t like drugs.

[pamelanable]

My husband is allergic to penicillin, or so we think! He was also allergic to Azulfidine, but since it was the drug of choice for his condition back in the day, the doctor insisted that we do systematic desensitization. That worked! I'm intrigued by your video and I'm going to think hard about next steps.

[barbarahasenauer]

I was 5 or 6 and was sick . The family doctor came to the house (yes correct) and gave me penicillin. From what i remember, my moms no longer alive, it didn't take long i broke out in a rash. Thats all i remember. Im 71 and still would like to get tested, just in case....do you think it is a good idea?

[marymaryquitecontrary]

Wow, who knew? I was the kid with the rash! I don't remember what illness I had (very ancient history), do remember cold baths and calamine lotion for the rash so it must have been a significant one. Years later I was told it was specifically "penicillin G" I was allergic to (by a medical person, not an allergist). Wondering the significance of the G? Love this channel, you guys come up with the most interesting stuff!

[winwhitmire]

WOO HOO! Thanks for this video. I was told that I was allergic to penicillin back in 1973! I am also very allergic to sulfa drugs...that WE DO know. This limits antibiotics for me a lot! Per your suggestion, I saw an allergist today. I spent three hours (nothing else to do!). I had the skin pricks then a 30% dosage of oral penicillin. After 15 minutes, they gave me the 70% remaining dose. 45 minutes later...I'm doing fine! He asked me how I found out the information that prompted me to get tested. I mentioned your videos. The doctor will notify my primary care physician and get this allergy removed from my record! As you say at the end of every video, I am "...in charge of my own health!" I gave the two extra books, "Good Night Humans" to two well deserving friends. Please thank Ms. Maalf again! WW

[BornToRun.]

💯….Just had the tests and was found not allergic to penicillin. That allergy was removed FROM MY CHART after a 15 yr posting. Thanks a lot Drs!

[DH-iycp]

I had a reaction on penicillin at age 18. Was told by my pediatrician after describing my reaction that I was allergic. Realized later that I really needed to know for sure so went for cillin testing at an allergists office and, yep, I was and am allergic to penicillin as well as amoxicillin and ampicillin.

[nora]

When I was six I had a bad reaction to tetracycline in which I collapsed. A couple days later they gave me penicillin and I had another reaction but not as severe, but it went down on my records as a reaction to both. Many years later like 25, my doctor questioned the reactions and I went to the sensitivity clinic in Hamilton where we slowly tested penicillin. Turns out I was likely allergic to the coatings they used way back when and I was fine with penicillin but still allergic to tetracycline. I am now 65 and have only had penicillin about 5 times and it works good.

[ja]

Extreme facial swelling as a teenager for me 🥹. Very scary!

[gregoryglen]

That is some seriously good advice Docs. Thanks

[gosman]

The other big allergy that we don't know if we really have is Sulfa. I had a breakout with sulfa when I was a teenager. At age 74 now, I still list that as my allergy!

[kcheckal]

So great that you brought this up. If anyone isn’t sure, I think it’s worth it to get tested and find out. I was told all of my life that I was allergic to Penicillin. My younger brother was told this as well. He decided to try taking it as an adult, and had no reaction. I was getting allergy shots at the time but hoped that like my brother, maybe I wasn’t really allergic either. My Doctor did a allergy test to see if I was still allergic, unfortunately I am allergic.