Public Health Officials Say Majority Of People Who Believe They Have A Penicillin Allergy Do Not, Can Safely Use Antibiotic

NBC News (12/14, Edwards) reports, “A growing number of allergists and public health officials nationwide are pushing to prove that the majority of people who believe they have a penicillin allergy are not, in fact, allergic to the antibiotic – and can use it safely.” According to the CDC, “about 10% of the U.S. population report having a penicillin allergy,” although “less than 1% are truly allergic.” Delabeling penicillin allergies, physicians “say, would have major health impacts: faster and more effective treatments for people who have spent their lives avoiding penicillin and related drugs, including amoxicillin, as well as the opportunity to drive down rising antibiotic resistance.”