On the Courts: Penicillin Allergy and the Boston Celtics

Frank Challant, a Massachusetts native, was a young college student in Ohio in 1967. Healthy and athletic, problems like a life-threatening allergy never crossed his mind. As spring became summer, the outside temperature shot up to 107 degrees, and the air conditioning in Frank’s dorm ran constantly.

Before long, Frank started to feel run-down. After a few days with no improvement, he ventured to the local hospital, where he was quickly diagnosed with double pneumonia. The attending physician gave Frank an injection of the antibiotic penicillin and Frank went back to his dorm room to recover.

No more than three months later, feeling run-down again, Frank went to the on-campus infirmary. He figured he was likely exhausted from his studies and football practice. Not only that, he was also working as the assistant athletic trainer for the basketball, baseball, track, wrestling and tennis teams. However, he wanted to make sure he was ok.

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Frank didn’t know this at the time, but 10% of people in the US report having a penicillin allergy. At the infirmary, Frank was given another injection of penicillin. By the time he could roll his sleeve back down, Frank went into anaphylactic shock. He experienced dizziness, stomach cramps, profuse sweating, and vomiting. Within three minutes, Frank hit the floor. When he woke up five minutes later, the doctor was hovering over him with a tracheostomy kit in his hand. Frank had no idea what was happening or that he was seriously allergic to penicillin.

Discovering the protection of MedicAlert for life-threatening allergies

After receiving a shot of Benadryl, Frank was kept in the college infirmary for observation for five hours. With nothing to do but look at the four walls, Frank noticed a brochure for MedicAlert. He’d never heard of MedicAlert, so he read it. Within days of that infirmary visit Frank sent in his request for a custom engraved MedicAlert ID and Protection Plan. Frank now knew that MedicAlert was exactly what he needed, adamantly stating, “There is no way in hell I ever want to experience that again.” 

Having trusted in MedicAlert for over 54 years, Frank says: “MedicAlert is my best defense against my life-threatening allergy. If I ever go into anaphylactic shock again, my custom engraved MedicAlert ID will communicate to an emergency response team exactly what I am allergic to. The very information that can save my life sits on my wrist. You can’t beat that!”

“If I ever go into anaphylactic shock again, my custom engraved MedicAlert ID will communicate to an emergency response team exactly what I am allergic to – the very information that can save my life sits on my wrist.”

Frank, MedicAlert Member since 1967

Facts About Penicillin Allergies

10% of all US patients report having an allergic reaction to penicillin

Allergic reaction to penicillin includes skin hives, Anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, and wheezing

Delayed reactions to penicillin's can occur, commonly include rash or itch, can appear after days or weeks of administration of the drug.

Source: National Library of Medicine

Embracing a dream with the Boston Celtics

After graduating college, Frank began his career as a high school teacher. His sights were set on becoming an athletic trainer. Within three years the New England Patriots offered Frank a position. Ten months later, the Boston Celtics came calling.

Frank enjoyed a long and successful career as the Boston Celtics’ Athletic Trainer from 1971-1979. He has endless memories and two championship rings. Known for his unconventional training and athlete rehabilitation, Frank was always thinking outside the box so his athletes could go out there and do what they do best. Frank said, “Back then, medicine was not what it is today. We had to rest on our experience, knowledge and intuition.” 

To this day, Frank wears his MedicAlert ID every day – whether it is his custom engraved bracelet or Citizen’s watch. Even after 54 years, he still values the peace of mind and protection MedicAlert gives him from his life-threatening allergy. 

Frank says, “I am fortunate that MedicAlert hasn’t had to save my life, but I know it has saved countless lives of children and adults.” 

That’s why Frank is not only a member, but a loyal donor as well. Giving to MedicAlert is a “no-brainer,” he says. MedicAlert is one of his favorite charities, and Frank tells everyone he can, “If you care about life and the lives of others – write a check to MedicAlert.”

What is anaphylaxis?

Without any warning, Frank had experienced anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. According to MedicAlert partner, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), sudden allergic reactions to penicillin often happen in less than an hour after receiving a dose of the medicine. This can even occur if the person did not have any problems with a dose in the past. And as Frank had just learned, the consequences can become very serious very quickly.

Life-threatening allergies and anaphylaxis are the result of a person’s immune system overreacting to a trigger. In Frank’s case, the trigger was penicillin, and medicines (including other antibiotics) are a common source of allergic reactions. Other potential triggers can be food allergies, insect stings and bites, latex, and in rare cases, vigorous exercise. Both children and adults can experience these serious allergic reactions.

People at risk for anaphylaxis or who have experienced anaphylaxis in the past should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen) and wear a medical ID. Quick treatment is needed to reverse the severe allergic reaction. A medical ID can clearly indicate to first responders that someone has a life-threatening allergy. For example, a penicillin alert bracelet may have the penicillin allergy abbreviation and share that epinephrine is needed in an emergency.

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