Millions of people are potentially missing out on the best antibiotic if they develop an infection because they mistakenly believe they are allergic to penicillin. This means their health could be compromised by receiving different antibiotics that may be less effective, prolong recovery periods and could cause admission to hospital.
Today is Penicillin Allergy Day. We've worked with our Antimicrobial Expert Advisory Group to produce a checklist for pharmacists to inform conversations with patients about penicillin allergy. We're also asking patients to check their medical record the next time they visit their GP to ensure they are not wrongly labelled as allergic to penicillin.
Around 6% of people have a penicillin allergy label on their medical record, equating to 4 million people in the UK, yet over 90% of patients are found not to have an allergy to it when fully assessed. Being labelled allergic to penicillin is associated with a higher mortality rate of an extra 6 deaths per 1000 patients in the year following treatment for infection.
People may believe they are allergic to penicillin for a variety of reasons:
- Common side effects of antibiotics, such as nausea or diarrhoea, are often confused with allergic reactions and usually pass once the course of treatment has finished
- Sometimes symptoms of the infection being treated, for example a rash, can be considered an allergic reaction and reported as such
- An allergy reported many years ago, perhaps in childhood, has settled down but the perception of an allergy remains.
Once on a patient’s record, a penicillin allergy label can remain there for years without question, compromising their treatment.
RPS spokesperson Ms Tase Oputu said: “Every medicine has benefits and harms and I urge patients to ask questions about a penicillin allergy label on their medical record.
“Many individuals are at low, or very low risk, of having a genuine penicillin allergy and we often find that after careful investigation that they can take penicillin safely. Others, who may have had a severe reaction in the past, will need allergy testing and in some cases may never be able to take penicillin.
“Patients should talk to their pharmacist or other health professional to help understand the difference between side effects and allergic reactions, which can sometimes look similar, so they receive the most effective treatment for their needs.”
Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services for Allergy UK explains ‘Many people have had a label of having a penicillin allergy from early childhood often after having a rash with antibiotics. This label can be carried with them the rest of their lives, without it ever being investigated. There is now a national effort to look into this and the best way to do this. Allergy UK welcomes this issue being explored more closely and will ensure the patient voice and perspective is represented."
Penicillin Allergy Day originates from the USA and it was on 28 September 1928 that Sir Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, improving the health of millions around the world. The day focuses on the impact of having a penicillin allergy label and how it affects a patient’s treatment.
Take a look at the checklist for pharmacists about penicillin allergy
More information on antimicrobial stewardship
Find out more about our Antimicrobial expert advisory group
Watch Tase talking about penicillin allergy on the BBC News Channel: