Benzylpenicilloyl polylysine (Injection)

Introduction

Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine (ben-zil-pen-i-SIL-oh-il pol-ee-LYE-seen)

Used to test for penicillin allergy.

Brand Name(s)

Pre-Pen

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• There are two parts to this test. The first part is the scratch test. The nurse will make a small scratch on your arm and apply the medicine. After 15 minutes, the nurse will read the test. If there is no reaction, you will receive an injection under your skin. A reaction is any itching, redness, or swelling where the medicine was applied.
• For the intradermal injection (under your skin), a small amount of medicine is injected into the skin on your forearm. A small bump should appear on your skin. If there is an allergy, you should see a reaction within 5 to 15 minutes.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for allergies such as diphenhydramine, Benadryl®, Claritin®, or Zyrtec®. Also tell your doctor if you are using an anti-inflammatory medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or Motrin®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Skin pain, redness, or itching at the site of the test.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088