Drug Allergy and Desensitization

Boston Specialists’ Drug Allergy Testing and Desensitization

Boston Specialists’ Drug Allergy program offers the unique ability to investigate adverse drug reactions through the use of skin testing, drug challenges, and drug desensitization. With our vast array of possible testing, our allergists offers the potential for increasing tolerance to drugs including antibiotics, oral medications, and anesthetic agents.

What to expect?

The first step in investigating your potential drug allergy is to book a consultation with one of our allergists so that we can discuss your medical history, recent reactions, complete a physical examination, and schedule further testing. You can book this initial consultation at our website, www.bfac.org. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our front desk at 617-804-6767.

If we are able to confirm a drug allergy through clinical history and/or testing in office, our allergists will discuss alternative treatment options for your specific case. If no appropriate alternatives exist, we may recommend that you undergo one or both of the following types of testing.

Drug Challenge: A drug challenge is a supervised challenge in our office which tests for your tolerance to the drug in question and determines whether you are likely to have a reaction if using the drug in the future. During this visit, you will be given one or more doses of the drug being tested and carefully, continually monitored. Our staff are fully trained and prepared to handle any reactions which may arise in the office.

Drug Desensitizations: A drug desensitization includes taking increasing doses of medication under supervision at a slow rate of progression until reaching your target dose. You will be consistently and closely monitored during this time. These procedures are always completed in our office and under the supervision of our trained staff and board-certified allergists to ensure your safety.

Drug Allergy Testing

Penicillin Testing

Penicillin is one of the most widely-used antibiotics. For those who suspect that they may have a Penicillin allergy, our office offers Penicillin allergy testing. This testing is composed of 2 parts. First, the patient would undergo Penicillin skin prick testing and intradermal testing of Penicillin at varying dilutions, for which they must be off of antihistamines for 7 days prior. If negative, we will then proceed with a supervised, in-office drug challenge of Amoxicillin, during which you will be continually monitored for symptoms. If you are interested in Penicillin allergy testing, please book an initial consultation by clicking the “book now” button below.

(We also offer allergy testing to other medications)