Allergies

The UK has some of the highest prevalence rates of allergic conditions in the world, with over 20% of the population affected by one or more allergic disorders.

Back to Prescribing Guidelines by Clinical Area

Relevant information can be found on this page to support managing patients presenting in primary care with guidance on suitable self-care measures and medication.

Information on the anticholinergic burden of medications used to treat allergy can be found on our deprescribing webpage.

Formulary chapter 03.04

Prescribing Guidelines by Clinical Area

NEWS

National Patient Safety Alert: Class 1 Medicines Recall Notification: Recall of Emerade 500 micrograms and Emerade 300 micrograms auto-injectors, due to the potential for device failure Please note - This has now been discontinued, see Discontinuation of Emerade Pens - SPS - Medicines Supply Tool January 2026 for guidance, log in is required.

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MHRA Adrenaline Auto Injector Safety Campaign

Allergic Rhinitis

Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs)

NHS Somerset ICB: Adrenaline Auto-Injector advice on use for GPs and patients summarises key messages for patients. It also contains information on how to obtain training devices, register for expiry alert services and provides direct links to training videos for different devices.

MHRA: Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs): new guidance and resources for safe use - GOV.UK Published 27 June 2023

MHRA: The correct use of your Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI) is a good quick reference infographic for patients and includes information on recognising the signs of anaphylaxis, what to do in an emergency including correct positioning, being prepared and how to report any faults or problems.

NICE Clinical guideline [CG134] Anaphylaxis: assessment and referral after emergency treatment

Anaphylaxis UK have produced a number of factsheets about living with different types of allergies and anaphylaxis.

All patients at risk of anaphylaxis should have 2 devices that are kept on their person at all times.

NB: Caution - Ensure the most appropriate dose is prescribed, children's doses will change over time.

BNF Update - 8th July 2025: The body-weight ranges for Jext^® have been aligned with those of EpiPen^® so that all children weighing 25kg and over may be given a dose of 300 micrograms.

January 2026: EURneffy has been approved for patients with confirmed needle phobia.

Cows Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)

Drug Allergies

Eczema

Food Allergies

Cows Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)

See our infant feeding page for CMPA guidelines and information on breastfeeding with special diets.

Lactose Intolerance

While lactose intolerance is a sugar intolerance, rather than an allergy, information has been given by SPS: Prescribing in lactose intolerance and how to identify lactose free medicines

Oral Immunotherapy

See the Somerset Traffic Light System for information on oral immunotherapy.

Palforzia for treating peanut allergy in children and young people is currently RED.

Patient Resources

Food Allergy

Allergy UK: Food Allergy

Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers. This could be because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk, such as cross contamination. Allergy UK are informed by the Food Standards Agency and provide a free alert service where they alert the public via their website, social media and by sending allergy alert emails to those who have requested them. Patients can sign up to receive alerts for particular allergens.

Food Allergy in Children

Patient Webinars: Food allergy in children

Allergy UK: Parent Pathways aims to support to parents, children and adolescents by providing age specific information and resources to help the child gain more independence around their allergies.

Allergy UK also has fact sheets and resources for schools covering a wide range of allergies.

For information and guidance on see using emergency adrenaline auto-injectors in schools