A major review of penicillin allergy guidelines has been announced after research revealed that up to 90% of Australians who believe they are allergic to the antibiotic may not actually have an allergy. The peak immunology body is updating its recommendations to address widespread misdiagnosis, which could help reduce unnecessary hospital stays and combat rising antimicrobial resistance. Penicillin remains one of the most frequently prescribed antibiotics in Australia, yet many patients avoid it due to unfounded allergy concerns. The changes aim to clarify proper allergy testing and improve safe prescribing practices.
Peak body for immunologists changes guidelines as evidence shows up to 90% of those reporting allergy don’t have oneGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe majority of Australians who report a penicillin allergy are not truly allergic, prompting the peak body for immunologists to change its guidelines in a bid to reduce hospitals stays and tackle antimicrobial resistance.Penicillin, one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in Australia, was thought to cause allergies in 10% of Australians, or about 2.8 million people. Continue reading...
