Penicillin is a compound produced by molds of the genus Penicillium. About 80% of people who are allergic to penicillin lose their allergy after about 10 years. (Image courtesy of Clouds Hill Imaging Ltd. via Getty Images)
Picture this: You're at the doctor's office with a sore throat. The nurse asks, “Are you allergic?” And without thinking, you answer, “Penicillin.” You've been saying this for years—perhaps since you were a child, or your parents told you so. The nurse nods, takes notes, and continues her work.
But here's the thing: It's very likely that you're not actually allergic to penicillin. About 10% to 20% of Americans say they're allergic to penicillin, but less than 1% of them actually have an allergy.
I am a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy, with a focus on infectious diseases. My research interests include antibiotics and drug allergies, including methods for determining penicillin allergy.
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