1. How common is it for people to be misdiagnosed with a penicillin allergy?
Up to 10% of people believe they are allergic to penicillin, but studies show that over 90% of them can safely take it. Many "allergies" are based on childhood reactions or misinterpreted side effects.
2. What kinds of reactions might make me ineligible for delabeling?
If you've had severe reactions like anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome), or organ involvement, you might not be eligible for the oral challenge. These cases require specialized allergy management. Those students who are not eligible for an oral challenge at Dick's House may still be eligble for delabeling with the DHMC Allergy Clinic at the medical center, and this will be discussed in those cases.
3. What happens during the penicillin oral challenge?
You will take a small dose of penicillin under close medical supervision, with trained staff monitoring you for any symptoms. If no reaction occurs, you'll receive an increased dose to confirm tolerance.
4. What should I expect on the day of my oral challenge?
The challenge takes place at our campus health facility. You'll arrive at your scheduled time, take penicillin in small, supervised doses, and stay for 1-3 hours for observation to ensure your safety.
5. How do I prepare for the challenge?
No special preparation is needed beyond attending your appointment. It's helpful to review your medical history or consult with family members to recall details about any past reactions to penicillin.
6. If I pass the challenge, what changes afterward?
If the challenge confirms you're not allergic, your medical record will be updated to remove the penicillin allergy label. This allows your healthcare providers to prescribe penicillin-based medications confidently in the future.
7. What if I don't pass the challenge?
If you have a reaction, it will be managed on-site by our team. We'll work with you to document the outcome and provide guidance for future antibiotic use.
8. Are there any risks involved?
The process is safe and supervised by trained medical staff. Severe reactions are extremely rare, and we are fully equipped to handle them if they occur.
9. Why is delabeling particularly important for college students?
College students often live in shared environments where illnesses like strep throat are common. Accurate allergy records ensure you can receive the most effective treatments without unnecessary delays.
10. How long has penicillin delabeling been used?
Penicillin allergy delabeling has been safely used for decades in clinics and hospitals worldwide. It's a well-established, evidence-based process with a strong safety record.
