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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffIt isn't clear why some people develop penicillin allergies while others don't. However, certain people seem to be at greater risk of developing a penicillin allergy than others are. Heredity may play a role, as well as exposure to multiple medications over time.
While anyone can have an allergic reaction to drugs in the penicillin family, you appear to be at higher risk if:
- You're female
- You have HIV/AIDS
- You have cystic fibrosis
- You've had allergic reactions to penicillin or another drug in the past
