LESS cross-sensitivity between penicillins and carbapenems than we think

There may be LESS cross-sensitivity between penicillins and carbapenems than we think.

Beta-lactams are often avoided in patients with penicillin allergies, due to concerns of cross-sensitivity. But this means a lot of useful antibiotics aren't used...maybe unnecessarily.

Experts used to think that up to 47% of patients allergic to penicillin would also be allergic to carbapenems...imipenem (Primaxin), meropenem (Merrem), etc.