I was in a car accident and thankfully I was wearing my MedicAlert pendant. The ambulance and emergency room personnel were informed of my allergic reactions to certain drugs.
Medical IDs for Penicillin Allergy
The confidence to live with penicillin allergy
Antibiotics, such as penicillin, can save a person’s life when given to treat certain types of bacterial infections. But for some people, getting a dose of penicillin can actually be life-threatening, due to an allergic reaction to the antibiotic.
That’s why a medical ID for penicillin allergy is critical for people living with this sensitivity.
How MedicAlert protects those living with penicillin allergy
One thing you shouldn’t worry about is what could happen if there’s an emergency. MedicAlert’s protection plans offer benefits that extend beyond the ID, providing safety and peace of mind for people living with penicillin allergy, their families and caregivers.
24/7 Emergency Response
Our team provides first responders the information they need to provide fast, accurate care.
Digital Health Profile
All your vital information, all in one place for you and your caregiver.
Emergency Contact Notification
In an emergency, we connect families so that no one is alone in a crisis.
Patient Instructions
Share the information that’s important to your care, such as use of rescue medications or contraindication for tests like MRIs.
Pair a medical ID for penicillin allergy with the protection plan that’s right for you.
What is penicillin?
The discovery of penicillin in the late 1920s is often heralded as the start of the age of antibiotics. When Alexander Fleming discovered the mold that produces the antibiotic penicillin, he paved the way for the discovery of medicine that treats conditions such as rheumatic fever, strep throat, gonorrhea and pneumonia.
Penicillin is an example of a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, meaning that it is only effective against some types of bacteria. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wider range of bacteria.
Penicillin is actually a family of antibiotics and is available in many different forms in the U.S. For example, penicillin V is often prescribed to treat respiratory illnesses caused by bacteria. Amoxicillin can treat respiratory and ear, nose, and throat infections as well as urinary tract and skin infections.
What is a penicillin allergy?
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), about 10% of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with a penicillin allergy. When you’re allergic to penicillin, your immune system has an unusual response when exposed to the antibiotic. It kicks into high gear and begins attacking otherwise healthy cells.
Although 10% of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with a penicillin allergy, it’s possible that many of those people don’t actually have an immune response when they take penicillin. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it’s likely that true penicillin allergies only affect about 1% of people.
It’s possible for a penicillin allergy to fade with time or for the body to get over the allergy, which explains the discrepancy between the number of people diagnosed as allergic and the number who are genuinely allergic to the medication. The CDC notes that just a small percentage of people actually have an Immunoglobulin E, or immune system response when they take the antibiotic.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a penicillin allergy previously and aren’t sure if your body is still allergic, you can ask your doctor to perform an allergy test to verify. A skin test can detect if there’s an immune response. Your doctor might also test your immune response by giving you an oral dose of the antibiotic.
Since allergies change over time, it’s a good idea to work closely with an allergist to confirm whether you remain allergic to penicillin or not.
What to engrave on your MedicAlert medical ID for penicillin allergy:
MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our penicillin allergy bracelets and medical ID products. Engravings on medical IDs for penicillin allergy should include any critical medical information that can protect and save lives in an accident or medical emergency, for example:
- Allergic to Penicillin or PCN
- If you carry an EPI-PEN
- Any other allergies
- Medical conditions
- Medications you’re taking
- Any additional medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
Sample engraving. Consult our team if you need help engraving your medical ID for penicillin allergy.
What are signs of a penicillin allergy?
If you are allergic to penicillin, you’ll often develop symptoms of the allergy within an hour or so of exposure. Some allergic people might not have a reaction for several hours or even for up to one week after exposure, though.
Common signs of an allergic reaction to penicillin include:
- Wheezing
- Rash or hives
- Itchy skin
- Itchy, water eyes
- Runny nose
- Swelling
- Fever
Source: MAYO Clinic
In rare cases, a person with an allergy to penicillin can experience anaphylaxis after exposure. Signs of anaphylaxis include nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, a drop in blood pressure and a rapid but weak pulse. Some people also lose consciousness when they experience anaphylaxis.
We’re proud to partner with the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America to provide tools and resources to help people with asthma and allergies live better lives.
How do you treat an allergic reaction to penicillin?
The best way to treat an allergic response to penicillin is to avoid exposure to the antibiotic in the first place, reducing the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
Should you start to experience the signs and symptoms of an immune response, medications can help to minimize the immune response. For example, a doctor might recommend that a person take antihistamines or use corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and quiet the immune system.
If you take penicillin and go into anaphylaxis, immediate medical attention is needed. You’ll need an epinephrine injection and will most likely need to go to the hospital to help your breathing and to increase your blood pressure.
Another option is for you to work with your doctor to desensitize your body to the antibiotic. Desensitization might be a good choice if you need to take penicillin to treat infection and there are limited other treatment options available. The process involves taking a small dose of the antibiotic and seeing how your body responds.
If you don’t have a reaction, your doctor will give you a slightly large dose of penicillin. The dose will increase, provided your body doesn’t react, until it is the amount required to treat the infection.
As with any medical condition, you should consult your doctor for specific instructions on managing your condition.
How medical IDs for penicillin allergy combined with MedicAlert Membership provide peace of mind
- We’re your voice: If you can’t speak for yourself due to a seizure or other medical emergency, your ID will speak for you – informing others about your penicillin allergy and any medications you’re taking.
- 24/7 emergency protection: In an emergency, the MedicAlert team will relay all of your critical medical information to first responders, no matter where or when your emergency happens.
- Always connected: You should never be alone in an emergency. That’s why MedicAlert will reach out to your designated contacts if you are unable to do so.
- Live with peace of mind and confidence: MedicAlert will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll have the confidence and freedom to live your life with penicillin allergy, knowing we’ve got you covered.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information in this article is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.