Allergy advice from pharmacist - follow or not?

[wejammin]

Backstory - the last 3 times I've taken paracetamol I've had a really weird reaction, I start coughing uncontrollably and get a burning feeling in my throat, and then my back and my chin get really itchy. The first 2 times I thought it was just the tablet brand (cheap own brand) but yesterday I had a lemsip and the same thing happened. I took an antihistamine and it went away after about an hour, although I've still got a sore throat today from all the coughing.

I requested a GP appointment this morning and they referred me to the pharmacist instead. He said just to stop taking paracetamol and let the GP know I'm allergic to it, but that I wouldn't need to be referred for formal testing. He then told me to, when I get home, rub a bit of Calpol on my arm and see if I get a rash, and then to take a tiny bit of Calpol every day to see if I had any reaction, and then go back and see him in a few days.

I did some reading which said all allergy testing needs to be in a controlled environment with a set measure of allergen so now I'm not sure if the pharmacist was a bit gung ho about me testing myself at home with Calpol.

Any thoughts? I don't want to go back to the GP if they're going to tell me that the pharmacist was right, but it just sounds a bit unorthodox.

I'm not a medic. I personally would be curious to try the calpol/ paracetamol on my arm, and would do so with antihistamine ready and when not home alone, just in case it is more than a local skin reaction.

As you reacted to Lemsip too, I would just be convinced that I was allergic and not use paracetamol anymore. Always check any other medicines too, in case it is an ingredient.

As the pharmacist said, advise your GP of the allergy, but I wouldn't request an appointment. If they want to see/ speak to you, they will arrange it.

Agree with @CatsorDogsrule it's actually quite a pragmatic and sensible approach. Drug allergies aren't generally tested for, and once you've had an adverse reaction, and as long as it's not an essential med for you, it's easy enough to avoid most meds.

This is the allergy advice we have been given from the consultant at the hospital. Try it on the arm and see if there's a reaction but always make sure you have antihistamines. If all okay another day try it on the lips. I guess it would depend if it's an Lge or non lge.

I would just accept that I'm allergic to it. You really don't need to test anything. You already had a reaction to two products containing it.

Just don't take it anymore. Ibuprofen and aspirin should cover mild or moderate pain needs.

Ok thank you! Always good to have reassurance.