New EAACI campaign highlights dangers of incorrect antibiotic allergy labelling

Antibiotics are life-saving medicines — but only if we use them wisely. Millions of people carry an ‘antibiotic allergy’ label in their medical records. However, research shows that over 90% of these patients are not truly allergic when properly tested.  

This is why the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has launched the Antibiotic Allergy Awareness Campaign under the banner ‘Correct Labels, Better Lives’.  

Why incorrect labels are a problem 

Many people are told they are allergic to antibiotics, such as penicillin, when they are not. This mislabelling can limit treatment options, leading to these people being prescribed second-line alternatives, which may be less effective, cause more side effects, and prolong recovery. They may also be more expensive and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – a growing global health crisis. 

People are often mislabelled due to outdated medical records, self-reports, and confusion between side effects and true allergies. Self-reports often come from vague or old memories—for example, a parent recalling a childhood rash from penicillin—without proper testing to confirm if it’s a true allergy. Side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, or viral rashes are often mistaken for allergies, even though they may not be allergic reactions.  

Key objectives 

The campaign aims to improve awareness of common misunderstandings about antibiotic allergies and highlight the importance of proper allergy testing. Its main goals are: 

• Raising awareness of the risks of incorrect antibiotic allergy labels. 

• Providing patients and healthcare professionals with practical tools, resources, and training. 

• Promoting proven methods for allergy testing and ‘de-labelling’ where appropriate. 

• Supporting responsible antibiotic prescribing to protect patient safety. 

Through educational materials, training, and practical tools, the campaign aims to empower patients to ask informed questions. It also helps healthcare professionals make evidence-based decisions that protect public health. 

What this means for patients: 

• Many people with an antibiotic allergy label are not truly allergic — testing by a specialist is quick and safe.  

• A false label may mean missing out on the best treatment option. 

• Smart antibiotic use protects everyone from antimicrobial resistance.   

If you or your child has an antibiotic allergy label, speak with your GP or allergy specialist about whether re-evaluation is appropriate.  

What this means for healthcare professionals:  

• Don’t rely on history alone – consider referral for allergy testing and de-labelling strategies.  

• First-line antibiotics matter: when safe, they should be used. 

• Incorporating allergy evaluation into care protocols improves safety, reduces hospital stays, and lower costs.  

At Anaphylaxis UK, we support EAACI’s call to action. Correcting antibiotic allergy labels isn’t just about safer treatment for individuals — it’s about protecting everyone’s health. Together, we can ensure antibiotics remain effective, and that patients get the right care at the right time. 

Explore the EAACI Antibiotic Allergy Awareness Campaign