What do you think is more efficient to have written on Medic Alert ID?

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I'm having a dilemma.

My hubby is severely allergic to a crapload of antibiotics, all of which are Beta-lactam antibiotics. He says he is allergic to all of the "cillins" but he is also allergic to a few cephalosporins. As in anaphylactic shock allergic.

Am I supposed to have all of the allergies listed, or would it just be easier to say he is allergic to all Beta-lactam antibiotics? Or maybe just say "Penicillins and Cephalosporins."

I have heard than when a person shows an allergy for a few of the cillins they tend to not give them any Beta-lactam antibiotic. Correct me if I am wrong though.

What's your input? What would be easiest for you in a situation where you need to act quickly?

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Is this a bracelet where there would be an 1-800 service available for HCPs to call for clarity? If it is, I'd put "multiple antibiotic allergies" with the 1-800 number for them to call to get further info. Otherwise, I'd say Penicillins and Cephalosporins.

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

I am a person who is in favor of an implanted device, like they do to your dog, that we can keep our medical information on. If this ever comes about and is in widespread use, I am going to be the first in line to get one.

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I would say Penicillins and Cephalosporins.

I'm not sure how much education on pharm a lot of various health professions get, so trusting that they would know (or remember after many years) which ATBs are beta-lactams could get dicey.

Being as simple as possible is always best.

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