Allergy Testing in Eau Claire

Allergy symptoms can make you feel bad, but you and your family don't have to suffer. Our allergy specialists will work with you to identify the causes and treatments to get you the care you need. After determining what may be triggering your allergy and asthma symptoms, we offer allergy testing and potential treatment options that could help you find relief.

Allergy testing options include:

• Penicillin testing
• Skin testing
• Other medication testing

Important medication information prior to allergy testing

Stop taking antihistamines or similar medications 24 to 48 hours before skin testing. Check all medications you are taking — prescription and nonprescription — to see if they contain antihistamines. You can continue to take asthma medications; antibiotics; oral steroids, such as prednisone; and nasal sprays, except for Astelin/Astepro or Patanase.

Antihistamines to stop prior to your allergy appointment are:

• Allegra (fexofenadine): Stop seven days prior to appointment.
• Astelin nose spray (azelastine): Stop two days prior to appointment.
• Atarax (hydroxyzine): Stop seven days prior to appointment.
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Stop two days prior to appointment.
• Clarinex (desloratadine): Stop five days prior to appointment.
• Claritin (loratadine): Stop five days prior to appointment.
• Cough and cold medication: Stop two days prior to appointment.
• Pepcid (famotidine): Stop two days prior to appointment.
• Sleep aids: Stop two days prior to appointment.
• Tagamet (cimetidine): Stop two days prior to appointment.
• Xyzal (levocetirizine): Stop five days prior to appointment.
• Zyrtec (cetirizine): Stop five days prior to appointment.

If you are miserable and unable to stop taking antihistamines, we will still see you, but allergy testing will be postponed until a later time. If you are experiencing severe allergy symptoms, rashes or hives, you should remain on your medication. Do not stop taking your medication.

If you are unsure about medications you can or cannot take prior to your allergy appointment, call to speak with a nurse.