Penicillin Allergy Testing in NYC

Told you're allergic to penicillin? You may not be. About 10% of Americans report a penicillin allergy, but fewer than 1% of people are truly allergic, according to the CDC. And about 80% of people who did have a true penicillin allergy lose it within 10 years.

Dr. Arthur Lubitz, a board-certified allergist and immunologist in Midtown Manhattan, evaluates adults with a penicillin allergy label to find out whether it is still accurate, and removes it from your record when it isn't.

Why it's worth checking

A penicillin allergy label follows you into every doctor's office, hospital and dental visit. When it isn't accurate, the CDC notes that it can mean:

• Broader-spectrum antibiotics instead of a penicillin, which may work less well for some infections
• A higher risk of antibiotic resistance
• Higher healthcare costs

Getting tested is especially useful before planned surgery, before dental work, during or before pregnancy, and for anyone who gets frequent infections.

What the evaluation involves

1. History. Dr. Lubitz reviews what happened: which medicine, how long ago, what the reaction looked like and how it was treated. Some histories are low-risk on their own.
2. Testing, when appropriate. Depending on your history, this can include penicillin skin testing and/or a supervised test dose of amoxicillin in the office, with monitoring afterwards.
3. Your results, in writing. If testing shows you're not allergic, you can get documentation so your primary doctor, surgeon, dentist and pharmacy can update your record.

Dr. Lubitz decides which steps are right for you. Some people, for example those who had severe skin reactions, aren't candidates for a test dose and will be advised accordingly.

Preparing for your visit

• Bring any records of the original reaction if you have them, and a list of your current medications.
• If skin testing is likely, antihistamines can interfere with it. See Your First Visit for which medicines to pause and which to keep taking. If you can't manage without them, keep taking them and let us know.
• Many plans cover allergy evaluations. See the insurance plans we accept; some plans need a referral from your primary care doctor.

For referring doctors and surgeons

We welcome referrals for penicillin allergy evaluation, including pre-operative patients. Please call (212) 247-7447 or fax (212) 307-0865.

Other drug allergies

Dr. Lubitz also evaluates suspected allergies to other medications. Read more about medication allergies.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Is it Really a Penicillin Allergy?" fact sheet. This page is general information, not medical advice.