Indications
PRE-PEN® is indicated for the assessment of sensitization to penicillin (benzylpenicillin or penicillin G) in patients suspected to have clinical penicillin hypersensitivity.
Important Safety Information
Rarely, a systemic allergic reaction including anaphylaxis may follow a skin test with PRE-PEN®.
The usual methods of treating a skin test antigen-induced reaction - the applications of a venous occlusion tourniquet proximal to the skin test site and administration of epinephrine are recommended. The patient should be kept under observation for several hours.
PRE-PEN® is contraindicated in those patients who have exhibited either a systemic or marked local reaction to its previous administration. Patients known to be extremely hypersensitive to penicillin should not be skin tested.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please see full Prescribing Information for additional important safety information.
Why Penicillin Allergy Testing?
PRE-PEN® (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine injection USP) is the only FDA approved skin test for the diagnosis of penicillin allergy. Penicillin allergy testing can be performed safely on hospitalized patients and suggests improved outcomes, less vancomycin use, and potential cost savings. Penicillin skin testing is the most rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective modality for evaluating patients with immediate allergic reactions to penicillin.
INCREASE EFFICIENCY
Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics leads to development and spread of multiple drug-resistant bacteria
PATIENT CARE
Having a label of antibiotic allergy can lead to the withholding of guideline recommended antimicrobial therapies
COST SAVINGS
The mean antibiotic cost for patients allergic to penicillin is 63% higher than for those not allergic to penicillin
Antimicrobial Stewardship
Penicillin allergy testing can be a safe and effective strategy to reduce the use of broad spectrum antibiotics and can help modify antibiotic selection.
Penicillin Allergy
Penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported drug allergy in the United States however only 9 out of 10 patients who report as allergic are truly allergic when skin tested, Because of this, patients often receive antibiotics that are not optimal for their condition which can result in treatment delays and increased costs.
Penicillin Skin Testing in Your Hospital
Penicillin skin testing can benefit your hospital in many clinical areas including pre-op testing, Infectious Disease, ICU, and ER as well as out-patient clinics.
Video
Why Penicillin Allergy Testing?
Publications
In Practice: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Penicillin skin testing is a safe and effective tool for evaluating penicillin allergy in the pediatric population.
Journal of Hospital Medicine
The impact of penicillin skin testing on clinical practice and antimicrobial stewardship.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Frequency of systemic reactions to penicillin skin tests.
Contact ALK at prepen@alk.net or 1-800-325-7354 to learn how ALK can help you impact antibiotic treatment through penicillin allergy testing.