Allergic to prescribed medication???

Question

I went to the hospital because my stitches got infected.

I told the doctor that there is a chance I am allergic to penicillin because it runs in my family. Both my sister and father are deadly allergic, so I never wanted to take a chance of taking it.

My doctor had prescribed Apo-Cephalex to me. When I took the prescription to the pharmacist, he told me that I am in risk of an allergy if I am allergic to penicillin. He told me if I get hives or swelling, I need to call the emergency.

I looked up Apo-Cephalex when I got to a computer and it says it should not be taken if you have an allergic reaction to penicillin because you are at a higher risk to be allergic to this drug as well.

How long does it take for an allergic reaction to appear after taking the drug?

Answer 1

If you are KNOWN to have had a full blown allergy to Penicillin, then the risk of a cross reaction with Apo-Cephalex (Keflex in the US) is only 1 out of 10.

In my experience, most (but not all) pen-allergic patients tolerate Keflex (apo-cephalex)

Answer 2

The allergic reaction does not take long to appear, they are usually acquired, predictable, and rapid. If you see any hives or swelling take an antihistamine.