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Group B Strep

BekahS posted:

My strep test came back positive but they told me its a strain resistant to clyndamicin and I'm allergic to penicillin. My doctor tells me that I would most likely get some "big guns" antibiotic via IV (although they all are given by IV, this is ONLY ever given that way). She recommended that when I get to L&D I should ask for "penicillin's cousin." Something that starts with an "A." Anyone have a similar experience? I was positive for Group B with my daughter so that's not the problem, just the antibiotic description freaks me out a little. Especially since my OB said very nicely that she is even leery using the "big gun" antibiotic. (I think it starts with a "V")

3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Group B StrepMy strep test came back positive but they told me its a strain resistant to clyndamicin and I'm allergic to penicillin. My doctor tells me that I would most likely get some "big guns" antibiotic via IV (although they all are given by IV, this is ONLY ever given that way). She recommended that when I get to L&D I should ask for "penicillin's cousin." Something that starts with an "A." Anyone have a similar experience? I was positive for Group B with my daughter so that's not the problem, just the antibiotic description freaks me out a little. Especially since my OB said very nicely that she is even leery using the "big gun" antibiotic. (I think it starts with a "V")

kzim517 responded:

I was hospitalized with preterm labor before they had done the GBS culture, and I am also penicillin-allergic. I was surprised, but they gave me vancomycin (the "big gun"). There's nothing unusual about it necessarily, although it has some possible side effects that are a little more serious than your average antibiotic. It has the potential to be damaging to the tissue if your IV infiltrates (leaks out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue), but your nurses will definitely be aware of the and will monitor for signs of that. Anyway, you only need a couple of doses, and it went fine for me (I ended up being GBS negative anyway).
The other one she's probably talking about is Ancef. There's nothing too special about it.

Hope this helps. Try not to worry too much, everything will be fine. Best of luck to you.

Kari

Report This| Share this:Group B StrepI was hospitalized with preterm labor before they had done the GBS culture, and I am also penicillin-allergic. I was surprised, but they gave me vancomycin (the "big gun"). There's nothing unusual about it necessarily, although it has some possible side effects that are a little more serious than your average antibiotic. It has the potential to be damaging to the tissue if your IV infiltrates (leaks out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue), but your nurses will definitely be aware of the and will monitor for signs of that. Anyway, you only need a couple of doses, and it went fine for me (I ended up being GBS negative anyway). The other one she's probably talking about is Ancef. There's nothing too special about it. Hope this helps. Try not to worry too much, everything will be fine. Best of luck to you. Kari

Robert O Atlas, MD responded:

Well, Kari is a very smart individual. She is correct on both accounts. Vancomycin is the big gun as described. it is given every 12 hours and you probably would only need a few doses.

Ancef is the other drug, it is ordinary, not all that special. You should find out if you are allergic to this as well because individuals who are allergic to Penicillin have about a 10% chance of being allergic to Ancef as well.

You do need to speak with your physician further to see if you are a candidate for the Ancef.

Good luck.

Report This| Share this:Group B StrepWell, Kari is a very smart individual. She is correct on both accounts. Vancomycin is the big gun as described. it is given every 12 hours and you probably would only need a few doses. Ancef is the other drug, it is ordinary, not all that special. You should find out if you are allergic to this as well because individuals who are allergic to Penicillin have about a 10% chance of being allergic to Ancef as well. You do need to speak with your physician further to see if you are a candidate for the Ancef. Good luck.

BekahS replied to Robert O Atlas, MD's response:

Thank you to both of you! I go in again this Friday and will make sure to have my questions ready.

Report This| Share this:Group B StrepThank you to both of you! I go in again this Friday and will make sure to have my questions ready.

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