Updated 09/23/2017

September 28 has been proclaimed Penicillin Allergy Day in Tennessee. Governor Bill Haslam issued the proclamation at the request of a Maury Regional Medical Center pharmacist to raise awareness of the importance of penicillin allergy testing for patients.

According to Pharmacist Zina Gugkaeva, PharmD, 30 million Americans report having had an allergic reaction to penicillin-based antibiotics in the past.

Representatives of pharmacy and infectious disease disciplines at MRMC have championed efforts for pharmacist-led allergy testing of patients to guide antibiotic treatment plans. The program earned recognition from the Leadership Excellence Awards in Pharmacy in 2016.

Individuals who have questions about their ability to take certain types of antibiotics should consult with their primary care physician.