Recognizing National Penicillin Allergy Day
Jorge Alderete
Board Member | C-Level Executive | Industry Advisor | Operating Partner | Executive Coaching | Leadership Development | Advisory Services | Driving Growth Strategies
On this day in 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic. Ninety-two years since its discovery, penicillin is still used to treat many different types of infectious diseases across the globe.[1],[3] This is why, for the past four years, September 28th has been recognized as National Penicillin Allergy Day (NPAD). As a global allergy solutions company, ALK commemorates NPAD, and we’re committed to educating our communities on reliable, accurate penicillin allergy testing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 10% of the U.S. population reports having an allergic reaction to penicillin.[2] Yet, after further evaluation, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology confirms that more than 90% of this population are not truly allergic, meaning these individuals can tolerate penicillin.[4] This data can significantly impact patients’ treatment plans since penicillin is one of the safest and most effective antibiotics in the market.[4] It is also affordable, so accurate allergy testing can relieve financial burden for patients and healthcare systems.[5]
We encourage healthcare providers to conduct frequent penicillin skin testing to ensure a proper allergy diagnosis and proper antibiotic use. Patients who are concerned about penicillin allergy should discuss testing options and treatment plans with their healthcare providers. Reliable, accurate test results could save lives.
Thank you for helping raise awareness about penicillin allergy and testing. To learn more about NPAD and how to get involved, visit: https://nationalpenicillinallergyday.com.
- Jorge Alderete, President ALK, Inc.
[1] Atlanta Allergy and Asthma. National Penicillin Allergy Day — Are You Allergic? Available at: https://www.atlantaallergy.com/articles/view/283-national-penicillin-allergy-day--are-you-allergic. Accessed August 24, 2020.
[2] National Penicillin Allergy Day. Available at: https://nationalpenicillinallergyday.com/. Accessed August 24, 2020.
[3] Is it really a penicillin allergy? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-hcp/Penicillin-Allergy.html. Updated October 31, 2017. Accessed September 4, 2019.
[4] American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Penicillin Allergy – What Do You Need To Know? Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/penicillin-allergy. Accessed August 25, 2020.
[5] Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters representing the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; Drug allergy: an updated practice parameter. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010 Oct; 105 (4): 259-273