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Explore How We’re Changing the Conversation Around Allergies

Join the Movement for a Safer, More Allergy-Aware Britain

At AllergyAwareUK, our blog is more than just a collection of articles — it's a living resource designed to support, inform, and empower everyone navigating the realities of allergies in the UK.

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Explore topics ranging from medicine safety and food allergy awareness to school protocols and emergency preparedness — all written with the UK context in mind. We spotlight expert advice, real-life stories, and practical tips to help you stay informed and confident. Because when it comes to allergies, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s protection.

Allergy is often spoken about in universal terms, yet the experience of living with — and being treated for — allergy can vary widely across communities. Good practice in healthcare means recognising that cultural background, socio-economic position, and ethnicity all shape how patients present, how they are diagnosed, and how effectively they can manage their condition. Multiple Cultural Backgrounds Cultural Influences on Allergy Management Dietary customs, religious practices, and cultural norms all influence how allergies are experienced and managed. For example, avoidance of certain foods due to religious observance may mask or complicate the recognition of food allergy. Similarly, attitudes towards medication or complementary therapies may shape a patient’s willingness to accept certain treatments. Good practice is shown when healthcare professionals take the time to understand these cultural contexts rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach (NICE, 2014). Socio-economic Barriers to Care Access to specialist allergy services is often uneven, and socio-economic status can compound this inequality. Families with limited financial resources may struggle to afford allergen-free foods, multiple prescriptions, or travel to tertiary clinics. Some may face longer waiting times or lack awareness of entitlement to referrals. Good practice lies in recognising these barriers and working proactively to signpost support, whether through community dietetics, patient charities, or social prescribing initiatives (Royal College of Physicians, 2021). Doctor testing with patient with different ethnic background. Ethnic Diversity and Allergy Risk Research increasingly shows variation in allergy prevalence and severity across different ethnic groups. For example, UK studies suggest that peanut allergy and asthma-related hospitalisations are more common among children of South Asian and Black African/Caribbean heritage compared with White children. Differences in vitamin D status, diet, genetics, and environmental exposures may all play a role. Good practice requires awareness of these disparities so that clinicians remain vigilant, especially in communities where under-diagnosis has historically occurred (Netuveli et al., 2005; Venter et al., 2018). Communication and Trust Language barriers, health literacy, and past experiences of discrimination can all influence how patients from minority ethnic backgrounds engage with healthcare. Good practice is demonstrated where healthcare professionals ensure information is accessible, interpreters are offered where needed, and trust is built through respectful dialogue. Written resources in plain English or translated formats can make the difference between a patient following or abandoning a management plan (NHS England, 2023). Doctor Communicating with patient A Holistic Approach Ultimately, good practice in allergy care is not only about prescribing adrenaline or identifying allergens. It is about recognising that patients live within diverse cultural, socio-economic, and ethnic contexts that shape their experiences of illness and treatment. Care that is attentive to these realities is not only fairer but also more effective. Final Reflection Allergy does not discriminate, but the systems that manage it sometimes do. Healthcare professionals who embrace cultural awareness, address socio-economic barriers, and remain alert to ethnic disparities embody a model of care that is both equitable and patient-centred. In doing so, they ensure that patients from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and safe. References National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2014)  Drug allergy: diagnosis and management (Clinical guideline CG183) . London: NICE. Available at:  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg183 . Royal College of Physicians. (2021)  Allergy care: the unmet need . London: RCP. Available at:  https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/allergy-care-unmet-need  ). Netuveli, G., Hurwitz, B., Levy, M., Fletcher, M., Barnes, G., Durham, S.R. and Sheikh, A. (2005) ‘Ethnic variations in UK asthma frequency, morbidity, and health-service use: a systematic review and meta-analysis’,  European Respiratory Journal , 25(4), pp. 869–876. Venter, C., Maslin, K., Patil, V., Kurukulaaratchy, R. and Grundy, J. (2018) ‘Time trends in the prevalence of peanut allergy: three cohorts of children from the same geographical location in the UK’,  Allergy , 71(9), pp. 1405–1413. NHS England. (2023)  Core20PLUS5 – An approach to reducing healthcare inequalities . London: NHS England. Available at:  https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/equality/equality-hub/core20plus5 .

Good Practice: Recognising Cultural, Socio-economic and Ethnic Diversity in Allergy Care

Allergy is often spoken about in universal terms, yet the experience of living with — and being treated for — allergy can vary widely...

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Allergy presentations are rarely simple. Many patients live with overlapping conditions — food allergies alongside asthma, drug allergies with multiple sensitivities, or reactions that are difficult to pin down. In such situations, good practice is less about providing quick solutions and more about recognising complexity, sharing responsibility, and ensuring patients receive coordinated, safe care. Patient with Inhaler for Asthma relief. Recognising Complexity Healthcare professionals across primary care — whether doctors, nurses, pharmacists, or allied health staff — frequently encounter allergy concerns. Good practice is shown when teams recognise patterns that suggest a case may be complex: multiple suspected triggers, severe or unexplained reactions, or significant impact on daily life. Acknowledging complexity early creates opportunities to manage risk and build appropriate support around the patient. Clear and Consistent Documentation Another marker of good practice is the way allergy information is recorded. Separating confirmed allergies from other adverse reactions, and describing the nature of responses clearly, helps reduce confusion and prevents avoidable prescribing or dispensing errors. When documentation is accurate, it supports safe decisions by every member of the healthcare team, not just the original prescriber. Healthcare professional consulting a patient. Collaborative Roles Across the Team Good practice thrives where healthcare professionals understand and value one another’s perspectives: Prescribers  — whether GPs, nurse prescribers, or other clinicians — assess broader health needs, manage co-morbid conditions, and determine referral pathways. Pharmacists  use their expertise in medicines and excipients to reduce risk, reinforce patient education, and advise when symptoms warrant escalation. Nurses, dietitians, and other allied health professionals  play vital roles in patient education, dietary safety, and ongoing support. The best care emerges when these contributions are integrated, ensuring no aspect of the patient’s profile is overlooked. Referral as a Cornerstone of Safety Good practice recognises that allergy management in primary care has limits. Referral to specialist services — whether allergy clinics, respiratory or dermatology teams, dietitians, or psychological support — is not an admission of defeat but an essential safeguard. Even where services are uneven across regions, signposting and initiating referral pathways demonstrates commitment to long-term patient safety. Patient having a understanding medication and good practice for allergies. Centering the Patient Experience Above all, good practice puts the patient’s lived experience at the heart of decision-making. For those juggling complex allergies, the challenge extends beyond physical symptoms: social restrictions, dietary anxiety, and constant vigilance are part of daily life. When healthcare professionals acknowledge these burdens and create space for honest conversations, patients feel supported and understood, not dismissed. Final Reflection Good practice in allergy management does not rest with one profession. It is a collective effort where prescribers, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health professionals each play their part. By recognising complexity, documenting carefully, collaborating effectively, and referring appropriately, healthcare teams can give patients with complex allergy profiles the reassurance that their care is safe, joined-up, and centred on their needs.

Good Practice in Managing Complex Allergy Profiles in Primary Care

Allergy presentations are rarely simple. Many patients live with overlapping conditions — food allergies alongside asthma, drug allergies...

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Generic medicines are usually safe alternatives, but they are not always identical. Differences in inactive ingredients (like fillers, binders, adhesives, or coatings) can trigger allergic reactions. Healthcare professionals should always consider allergen profiles before switching brands. Patients and carers should insist on licensed medicines or trusted, risk-assessed brands. Who this helps: People with allergies or sensitivities to medication excipients, their families, pharmacists, prescribers, and care staff. Key takeaways Excipients (inactive ingredients) vary between brands and can trigger allergic reactions. Pharmacists and prescribers must weigh allergen risk , not just active ingredient equivalence. Patients should request that prescribers specify a licensed medicine or a trusted, allergen-free brand. Prescribers may be personally liable if unlicensed products cause harm due to poor labelling or inadequate safety data. Why brand matters Although the active ingredient is the same, branded and generic versions of a medicine can differ in their excipients (such as lactose, soya oil, peanut derivatives, colourings, or adhesives in patches). For most people, this makes no difference. But for allergy sufferers, even trace amounts of an excipient can cause serious harm. Recent professional cases show the consequences of overlooking this. One patient suffered an allergic reaction after a pharmacist switched a branded patch for a generic equivalent without checking excipient safety. This highlights a key gap in practice: clinical equivalence is not the same as allergen safety . Professional responsibilities Healthcare professionals must: Check excipients when switching brands or dispensing generics. Communicate with patients and prescribers before making substitutions. Use risk assessments where no identical allergen-free alternative exists. Document and report any adverse reactions promptly. Personal liability: When prescribing or dispensing unlicensed medicines , healthcare professionals assume direct responsibility for product safety. Unlike licensed medicines, unlicensed products may: Have poor labelling standards . Offer limited or unverified information about excipients. Lack an approved Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and are absent from resources such as the EMC (Electronic Medicines Compendium) . In some cases, contain traces of allergens that prescribers have no reliable way of discovering. This means prescribers could be personally liable if harm arises from inappropriate product choice — including allergic reactions linked to hidden excipients. Patient empowerment: what you can do Ask your prescriber to state the brand name on your prescription if you know it is safe for you. Request reassurance that a medicine is free from allergens relevant to you (e.g., lactose, soya, peanut oil, gluten). Know your excipient triggers — carry an allergy card if possible. Challenge substitutions politely but firmly if the alternative hasn’t been risk assessed. Remember: you have the right to receive medicines that are safe for your allergy profile , not just clinically “equivalent”. When to seek help If you experience a rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, or any suspected allergic reaction to a medicine: Use your adrenaline auto-injector (if prescribed). Call 999 immediately. Report the reaction to your GP or pharmacist, and ask for a Yellow Card report to be submitted to the MHRA. References GPhC (2024) Professional standards for pharmacists: safe and effective care . Available at: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org . Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (2024) Excipients in medicines: information for healthcare professionals and patients . Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/excipients-in-medicines-information-for-healthcare-professionals . Pharmacy Magazine (2024) Pharmacist warned by GPhC after brand substitution led to allergic reaction . Available at: https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/profession-news/pharmacist-who-dispensed-generic-poms-against-branded-scripts-warned-by-gphc .

Switching Medicines Safely: Why Allergens Must Be Considered

Generic medicines are usually safe alternatives, but they are not always identical. Differences in inactive ingredients (like fillers,...

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Needle-free Adrenaline The MHRA has approved EURneffy® , a nasal spray adrenaline for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in people ≥30 kg. Auto-injectors are still essential. Who this helps: Anyone prescribed adrenaline for anaphylaxis, plus families, schools, and workplaces. Key takeaways Needle-free option may help those with needle fear . Know your device : technique differs from auto-injectors. Still advised to carry two doses at all times. What’s new In July 2025, MHRA approved the first needle-free adrenaline spray for the UK. It delivers adrenaline quickly without a needle. What hasn’t changed Act fast : use at the first sign of anaphylaxis. Give a second dose after 5 minutes if needed. Always call 999 and follow your action plan. Practical steps Ask your doctor if EURneffy is right for you. Ensure friends/family know which device you carry . Practise technique — whether spray or pen. When to seek help: Always. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. Use adrenaline immediately and call 999. References MHRA (2025) MHRA approves adrenaline nasal spray . Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-approves-adrenaline-nasal-spray-the-first-needle-free-emergency-treatment-for-anaphylaxis-in-the-uk

Needle-Free Adrenaline: Where EURneffy® Fits

Needle-free Adrenaline The MHRA has approved EURneffy® , a nasal spray adrenaline for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in people ≥30...

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Campaigners want written allergen information on menus . Until that’s law, allergy sufferers can still take steps to reduce risk when eating out. Who this helps: People with food allergies and their families eating in restaurants, cafés or takeaways. Legislate to reduce risk Key takeaways Ask for written allergen info — don’t rely on memory. Start the allergy conversation early (at booking and on arrival). Choose venues with trained staff and transparent menus. What is Owen’s Law? A campaign calling for allergen info in writing on menus , sparked by tragic deaths from allergic reactions. It aims to remove reliance on verbal assurances. Practical steps Call ahead and ask about allergen management. Check menus in writing , not just verbally. Opt for simple dishes with fewer ingredients. Double-check before eating — suppliers and recipes can change. Red flags: No written info, or staff saying “we can’t guarantee anything” without explanation. When to seek help: At the first sign of anaphylaxis, use your adrenaline auto-injector and call 999. References Trade Interchange (2025) What is Owen’s Law and how will it affect the food industry? Available at: https://tradeinterchange.com/blog/owens-law-food-industry/ Libereat (2024) FSA backing Owen’s Law proposals . Available at: https://libereat.com/2024/03/fsa-recap-2023/

Dining Out with Allergies in 2025: What Owen’s Law is Pushing For

Campaigners want written allergen information on menus . Until that’s law, allergy sufferers can still take steps to reduce risk when...

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NICE has approved Itulazax® , a daily under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablet, for people with moderate–severe birch pollen allergy who don’t get relief from usual medicines. Who this helps: Adults and eligible young people with confirmed birch pollen allergy. Key takeaways SLIT (sublingual immunotherapy) re-trains the immune system . Treatment usually starts outside pollen season . Taken daily for 3 years for long-term benefit. What Itulazax is A tablet dissolved under the tongue that helps reduce symptoms over time. Clinical studies show reduced allergy scores and less medication use. Who might be eligible Confirmed birch allergy (skin test or blood test). Severe symptoms despite antihistamines/nasal sprays. Willing to commit to long-term daily dosing. What to expect First dose under medical supervision. Common side effects: mouth/throat itching (settle with time). Benefits build gradually, noticeable in year 1–2. When to seek help: If you develop breathing difficulties, throat swelling or severe reactions after a dose, seek urgent care. References NICE (2025) First birch pollen immunotherapy recommended . Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/first-immunotherapy-for-severe-birch-tree-pollen-allergy-recommended-by-nice

Birch Pollen SLIT on the NHS: Who Might Benefit from Itulazax®

NICE has approved Itulazax® , a daily under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablet, for people with moderate–severe birch pollen allergy who...

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Adrenaline auto-injector Updated resources and legal frameworks now support schools in holding spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), backed by model policies and training initiatives. Who this helps: Parents, school staff, and education policymakers. Key takeaways Schools can legally keep 2 spare AAIs , with proper policy. Model policies and training tools are available for download. Emotional inclusion matters—policies now also cover bullying and awareness. What’s in place now Anaphylaxis UK’s Safer Schools Programme includes model policy, assemblies, and training tools for staff. The Commons guidance and SparePens site reinforce that spare AAIs are not replacements for personal devices but vital backups, with storage and expiry checks mandated. What parents/teachers can do Ask your school to adopt the model policy and offer AllergyWise® training. Ensure your child’s Individual Health Care Plan is current. Advocate for spare AAIs and staff training in your school. When to seek help: If your school is struggling to implement policy or training—reach out to Anaphylaxis UK for advice. References Anaphylaxis UK (2025) Safer schools programme resources . Available at: https://www.allergyschool.org.uk/campaign/aai-awareness-course . UK Parliament (2025) Briefing: adrenaline auto-injectors in schools . Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0144 . Spare Pens in Schools (2025) Adrenaline auto-injectors: guidance for schools . Available at: https://www.sparepensinschools.uk .

Safer Schools: Spare AAIs, Training and Policy Wins

Schools can legally keep 2 spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs), with proper policy.

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Peanuts For the first time, adult peanut oral immunotherapy has shown promise: 67% of study participants now tolerate multiple peanuts daily. Clinical, but hopeful news. Who this helps: Peanut-allergic adults and their families. Key takeaways First exclusively adult trial in UK (GUPI), with promising desensitisation results. 2 in 3 adults tolerated ~5 peanuts daily—dramatic quality-of-life improvement. This is research , not yet NHS-offered treatment—but suggests future pathways. What’s changing The GUPI adult trial, led by King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’, found 67% of 21 participants could tolerate the equivalent of 4–5 peanuts after supervised oral doses. Practical takeaways Keep allergy action plans up to date—even as research progresses. Follow Allergy UK (#These3Things) updates—they’re actively discussing results Share your story–community strength matters. When to seek help: Always use your auto-injector and call 999 if exposure causes serious symptoms. References Anaphylaxis UK (2025) Immunotherapy for peanut-allergic adults: GUPI trial results . Available at: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/immunotherapy-for-peanut-allergic-adults King’s College London (2025) Daily doses of peanuts tackle allergic reactions in adults . Available at: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/daily-doses-of-peanuts-tackle-allergic-reactions-in-adults CEA (2025) Peanut oral immunotherapy in adults (GUPI): clinical trial report . Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cea.14491

Peanut OIT in Adults: Breakthroughs from the GUPI Trial

Peanuts For the first time, adult peanut oral immunotherapy has shown promise: 67% of study participants now tolerate multiple peanuts...

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Vegan vs Free-From “Vegan” vs “Free‑from”: how to read labels safely (and what PAL means) A vegan label is about ethics/diet, not safety for allergy sufferers. Always check the ingredients and any “may contain” statement (also called Precautionary Allergen Labelling , PAL). Who this helps: Anyone with a food allergy or buying for someone who has one. Key takeaways “Vegan” ≠ “allergen‑free”. Cross‑contamination can happen in shared factories. “Free‑from ” means the product is formulated and controlled to exclude that allergen. Good PAL uses specific wording (e.g., “may contain milk ”), not vague terms like “may contain nuts”. Why the confusion? “Vegan” is a dietary/ethical label. It avoids animal‑derived ingredients, but it doesn’t guarantee the absence of trace amounts of milk, egg, fish, etc., from shared lines. That’s why the UK regulator and charities keep reminding consumers not to assume vegan equals safe for allergies. What PAL (“may contain”) is trying to tell you PAL warns about a realistic risk of accidental presence of an allergen. Responsible use of PAL helps you make informed choices. Over‑use can be unhelpful; the current push is for clear, specific, and evidence‑based PAL. Shopper checklist Read the ingredients list every time (recipes change). Look for specific PAL: “may contain milk/egg/peanut…” Treat “vegan” as neutral for allergy risk. If in doubt, contact the brand for their allergen controls . FAQ Is “plant‑based” the same as vegan? Not necessarily. It usually means mostly or entirely plant ingredients; it says nothing about cross‑contamination controls. Can I rely on allergy filters in delivery apps? Use them as a starting point only ; always confirm with the restaurant directly. When to seek help If you experience symptoms after eating (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse), use your adrenaline auto‑injector (if prescribed) and call 999 immediately. References Food Standards Agency (2024) Vegan food and allergens . Available at: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/vegan-food-and-allergens . Food Standards Agency (2024) FSA launches campaign highlighting risk of food labelled as vegan to people with allergies . Available at: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/fsa-launches-campaign-highlighting-risk-of-food-labelled-as-vegan-to-people-with-allergies . Food Standards Agency (2024) Precautionary allergen labelling and allergen thresholds — Board paper . Available at: https://www.food.gov.uk/board-papers/precautionary-allergen-labelling-and-allergen-thresholds . The Vegan Society (2024) The Vegan Society supports new FSA campaign . Available at: https://www.vegansociety.com/news/news/vegan-society-support-new-fsa-campaign .

Understanding Vegan vs Free-from Labels and the Importance of PAL in Food Choices

Vegan vs Free-From “Vegan” vs “Free‑from”: how to read labels safely (and what PAL means) A vegan label is about ethics/diet, not safety...

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Climate change is changing pollen seasons. Pollen seasons are getting longer and more intense due to climate and pollution changes. Planning ahead and simple indoor steps can help. Who this helps: People with hay fever, asthma or seasonal allergies. Key takeaways Check pollen and air quality forecasts daily. Optimise indoor air quality . Ask your GP about preventers or immunotherapy if symptoms remain severe. What’s changing Warmer UK temperatures lengthen the tree and grass pollen seasons. Air pollution makes pollen grains more potent and irritates airways. Practical tips Use Met Office or GOV.UK pollen forecasts . Ventilate homes when pollen counts are low. Shower and change after being outdoors. Consider HEPA filters in bedrooms. Keep shoes at the door to avoid spreading pollen inside. When to seek help: If you develop wheezing, breathlessness or poorly controlled asthma, contact your GP. For acute breathing difficulty, call 999. References UKHSA (2024) Will climate change make pollen worse? Available at: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/23/will-climate-change-make-the-effects-of-pollen-worse/ Met Office (2025) Pollen forecast 2025 . Available at: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/blog/2025/met-office-pollen-forecast-2025-what-you-need-to-know

Allergy Seasons Are Shifting: How to Cope with Longer Pollen Peaks

Pollen seasons are getting longer and more intense due to climate and pollution changes. Planning ahead and simple indoor steps can help.

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Palforzia®, the first NICE-approved peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) for children, is being rolled out via NHS centres and offers hope—but it’s not a cure, and comes with commitments and considerations. Who this helps: Parents of children aged 4–17 with diagnosed peanut allergy considering treatment options. Key takeaways Not a cure , but reduces severity of reactions and accidental risk. Requires structured clinical supervision and multi-visit setup. Accessibility may vary—NHS capacity remains limited. What’s happening now Palforzia® is licensed for children and available in some NHS clinics; it desensitises by gradually increasing tolerance under medical supervision. However, NHS rollout is gradual due to resource constraints Practical advice Talk to your paediatric allergist to see if your child is eligible. Understand the multi-step process and clinic visit schedule. Keep school and carers informed—they’ll need to know the plan. When to seek help: If your child experiences severe reactions during dosing or at home, contact your clinic immediately. References Evelina London (2025) Palforzia OIT for peanut allergy . Available at: https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/palforzia-for-peanut-allergy.pdf BSACI (2024) Guidance for Palforzia implementation . Available at: https://www.bsaci.org ( Medscape (2022) Insufficient capacity for peanut desensitisation drug roll-out . Available at: https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/insufficient-capacity-peanut-desensitisation-drug-roll-out-2022a100263p

Palforzia® for Children: What Parents Should Know This Winter

Palforzia®, the first NICE-approved peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) for children.

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Winter As we approach Winter 2025, allergy awareness isn’t only about physical safety—it’s about understanding the emotional challenges of living with allergies. Who this helps: Anyone managing allergies, especially families during stressful seasons. Key takeaways Allergies can carry significant emotional burden beyond physical symptoms—crisis anxiety, isolation, and fear. Awareness weeks like Anaphylaxis Awareness Week (Sept 2024) emphasised emotional support and community solidarity. This Winter, we can support each other with empathy, visible support, and shared stories. What has gone on recently Anaphylaxis UK used its 2024 awareness campaign to highlight the emotional challenges of allergies, encouraging visible solidarity (#WearItBright) across social media. Allergy UK’s 2024 Allergy Awareness Week theme, “too big to ignore,” continues to call for empathy and understanding in society. Ways to engage Share real-life stories or experiences on social media with supportive hashtags. Use the Winter lull to build local support—organise info sessions, digital meet-ups, or safe recipe swaps. Remind newcomers that allergies are normal, not shameful. When to seek help: If anxiety around allergies becomes overwhelming or daily life is affected, reach out to helplines (Anaphylaxis UK, Allergy UK) or mental health support. References Anaphylaxis UK (2024) Anaphylaxis Awareness Week: the hidden battle with allergies . Available at: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/join-us-for-anaphylaxis-awareness-week-2024 . Allergy UK (2024) Allergy Awareness Week 2024: Too Big to Ignore . Available at: https://www.allergyuk.org/allergy-awareness-week-2024 . Allergy UK (2025) Model policy for allergy management in schools . Available at: https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/model-policy-for-allergy-at-school .

Winter Allergy Awareness: Managing the Emotional Load

As we approach Winter 2025, allergy awareness isn’t only about physical safety—it’s about understanding the emotional challenges of living with allergies.

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Penicillin Allergy de-labelling Many penicillin allergy labels are inaccurate (over 90%). New NHS and pharmacy campaigns support safe ‘de-labelling’—a step that could improve treatment and antibiotic access. Who this helps: Adults with reported penicillin allergy, pharmacists, GPs, and families. Key takeaways Mislabelled penicillin allergy can block effective treatment—or force use of inferior, more expensive antibiotics. De‑labelling tools are expanding—especially via pharmacists and non-allergist clinicians. What’s being done NHS plans and pharmacy groups (like the Pharmacy Forum NI) are rolling out penicillin de-labelling checklists and procedures in late 2024. Research confirms non‑allergists can safely manage de-labelling, reducing reliance on specialist clinics. Practical next steps If you believe you're allergic to penicillin, ask your GP about assessment or de-labelling. Pharmacists may offer point-of-care tools or referrals. This could open better antibiotic options in the future. When to seek help: If you react to a test or experience new symptoms, stop the drug immediately and seek urgent evaluation. References (Harvard) Pharmacy Forum NI (2024) Penicillin allergy awareness and checklist rollout . Available at: https://www.pfni.org.uk/penicillin-allergy-awareness-and-checklist-ni-rollout . University of Birmingham (2024) Non-specialist healthcare professionals can safely remove incorrect penicillin allergy labels . Available at: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/removal-of-incorrect-penicillin-allergy-labels-by-non-specialist-healthcare-professional-feasible . Government of the United Kingdom (2024) Confronting antimicrobial resistance: UK 5-year action plan 2024–2029 . Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-5-year-action-plan-for-antimicrobial-resistance-2024-to-2029 .

Penicillin Allergy De-labelling: Clearing the Mistaken Labels

Many penicillin allergy labels are inaccurate and identifying mislabelled patients will improve treatment and antibiotic access.

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Prescribing blindfolded NICE guidance (CG183) sets out the standard for managing drug allergies in the UK: take a structured history, record it clearly, communicate it across care, and provide patients with written advice. But this process can break down if prescribers rely on unlicensed products — because allergen profiles may not be available in standard resources like the EMC, leaving professionals unable to make fully informed decisions. Who this helps: Healthcare professionals, patients with known drug allergies, and families seeking reassurance that safe prescribing practices are being followed. Key takeaways NICE CG183 is the baseline UK guidance for drug allergy diagnosis and management. Drug allergy records should be structured, separate from side effects , and shared across care settings. Patients should receive clear written advice on what to avoid and what to do if exposed. Prescribers must be cautious when using unlicensed products , where allergen data may not be available through standard resources like the EMC. What NICE CG183 requires NICE’s Drug Allergy: Diagnosis and Management guideline (CG183) outlines best practice for identifying and documenting drug allergies: Take a structured allergy history at first presentation or when reactions are suspected. Record clearly whether a reaction is a true allergy or a non-allergic adverse drug reaction (ADR). Communicate allergy status across care — in GP records, hospital notes, discharge summaries, and pharmacy systems. Provide written information to patients , listing the drugs or drug classes to avoid and outlining what to do if accidental exposure occurs. This structured approach helps prevent dangerous prescribing errors, improves patient confidence, and supports safe switching between brands or medicines. The risk of unlicensed products While licensed medicines must provide excipient and allergen information in their Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and on the Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), unlicensed products are different . They do not have an approved SmPC . They are not listed on the EMC . Allergen and excipient information may be unclear or unavailable . This creates a gap in prescriber knowledge. If allergen profiles cannot be accessed, clinicians risk making decisions without full awareness of potential triggers — exposing patients with allergies to avoidable harm. Why this matters in practice A patient labelled “penicillin allergic” may miss out on first-line antibiotics — unless their record is clear, structured, and verified. A patient with lactose, soya, or peanut allergies may unknowingly receive an unlicensed medicine containing traces of these excipients — because their prescriber could not check the allergen profile on standard systems. Prescribers who use unlicensed medicines carry greater personal responsibility , since they must make informed choices in the absence of centralised allergen data. Patient empowerment Patients should feel confident asking: “Is this medicine licensed?” “Has the allergen profile been checked?” “If unlicensed, has the manufacturer confirmed excipient safety?” Carrying written documentation of confirmed allergies — and ensuring GP and hospital records are consistent — makes it easier for healthcare professionals to act safely. When to seek help If you think you’ve been given a medicine containing an allergen, or if you develop symptoms such as rash, swelling, wheeze, or difficulty breathing after taking a medicine: Use your adrenaline auto-injector immediately (if prescribed). Call 999 without delay. Ask your GP or pharmacist to report the incident via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme . References NICE (2014) Drug allergy: diagnosis and management (CG183) . Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg183 . BSACI (2024) Standards of care in drug allergy . Available at: https://www.bsaci.org . Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (2024) Excipients in medicines: information for healthcare professionals and patients . Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/excipients-in-medicines-information-for-healthcare-professionals .

Drug Allergy Guidance: Why Clear Recording and Allergen-Aware Prescribing Matter

Prescribing blindfolded NICE guidance (CG183) sets out the standard for managing drug allergies in the UK: take a structured history,...

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