#NationalPenicillinAllergyDay Increases Awareness of Penicillin Allergy For Second Year

Health organizations across the U.S. are recognizing September 28th as National Penicillin Allergy Day to educate the public on the allergy and emphasize the effects of wide-spread antibiotic use

ROUND ROCK, Texas--()--September 28, 2018 is recognized by several states and health organizations as the second-annual National Penicillin Allergy Day, a national awareness day to help spread the word and educate the community on penicillin allergies and testing. This date holds significance in the medical industry and antibiotic community as the date Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic, in 1928.

Penicillin allergy is one of the most frequently reported allergies; however, nine out of 10 patients reporting a penicillin allergy are not truly allergic,1 which can lead to higher use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and an increased risk of adverse events for patients2. Inaccurately labeling patients as penicillin allergic is, therefore, recognized as a significant public health problem—and it is important for patients and providers to know the facts about penicillin allergies to help combat the rise of antibiotic resistance.

“We are eager to continue spreading critical awareness around penicillin allergies with the second annual National Penicillin Allergy Day,” said Jorge Alderete, President ALK, Inc. “Together we can assist communities in educating patients, healthcare providers and others on the importance of proper diagnosis, the facts about penicillin allergy prevalence, and the risks associated with an unverified diagnosis. With proper diagnosis and hospital antibiotic stewardship efforts, health providers and patients can reduce the use of alternative antibiotics. These alternative antibiotics, when used unnecessarily, can lead to higher treatment costs and stronger antibiotic drug resistance.”

Several national organizations have joined efforts to help educate and bring awareness to penicillin allergy and the importance of testing.

“It’s vital that doctors understand the importance of confirming penicillin allergy, but it’s even more critical that those who carry the label be tested by an allergist or other healthcare provider trained in allergy testing to be sure,” said allergist Bradley Chipps, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “An allergist or other healthcare provider can work with a patient to find out if they are truly allergic and determine the best medications available for treatment. Patients who are found not allergic will be able to use medications that are safer, often more effective, and less expensive.”

“Many studies establish that the majority of individuals labeled as penicillin allergic actually are not truly allergic to penicillin (and other members of this family of antibiotics). There are proven methods to rule out penicillin allergy and doing so in these individuals would allow optimizing the choice of antibiotics among those who are demonstrated not to be allergic. This day is a great way to spread the word, help ensure that patients have access to the safest possible antibiotic and work to address the increasing emergence of antibiotic resistance,” said Dr. Robert Wood, MD FAAAAI, President of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

If interested in receiving penicillin skin testing or administering it in your facility, a healthcare provider trained in penicillin allergy assessment can discuss the risks and benefits of testing.

“Our organization has seen a variety of positive changes in patient care since implementing our antibiotic stewardship program,” said Dr. Bruce Jones, Pharm.D.,BCPS, of St. Joseph’s Hospital “We have found that more than half of our patients claiming to have a penicillin allergy were classified as “unknown” as to whether they truly had the allergy. Thanks to our program and increased testing, we have been able to educate our patients and staff, decrease patients’ length of stay in our facility, and save roughly $315 per every de-labeled patient.”

To learn more about National Penicillin Allergy Day and take action in your community, visit us at www.nationalpenicillinallergyday.com.

1. Macy, E., & Contreras, R. (2014). Health care use and serious infection prevalence associated with penicillin “allergy” in hospitalized patients: a cohort study. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology133(3), 790-796.
2. Blumenthal, Kimberly. Fortune Favors the Bold: Give a Beta-Lactam! Clinical infectious Diseases Advance Access. 2016 July.

Contacts

MERGE Atlanta
Katelyn Lewis, 770-576-2543
klewis@mergeworld.com

Release Summary

September 28, 2018 marks the second-annual National Penicillin Allergy Day, spreading awareness on the importance of penicillin allergies and testing.

Contacts

MERGE Atlanta
Katelyn Lewis, 770-576-2543
klewis@mergeworld.com