What are the alternatives for patients with ever-expanding antibiotic allergies?

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: What are the alternatives for patients with ever-expanding antibiotic allergies?
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): no
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): This issue applies to anyone who is allergic to antibiotics.
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.): The subgroup might be patients whose allergies encompass several classes of antibiotics.
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): The benefit of more and varied antibiotics is that people with antibiotic allergies can still be treated for bacterial infections.
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: I'm personally concerned about contracting something as simple as a sinus infection or UTI and reacting to the last group of antibiotics. What do I do then?

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Low income groups
Minority groups
Women
Children
Individuals with special health care needs, including individuals with disabilities or who need chronic care or end-of-life health care

Federal Health Care Program

Describe why this topic is important.: As organisms become drug resistant, more antibiotics have been developed. Unfortunately, many people like myself are allergic. I'm now allergic to almost all antibiotics and work from home. I schedule my outings from home during less busy times to avoid exposure.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): I just a regular citizen with an allergy to antibiotics to the extent that it has been necessary to change how I live my life. And it scares me.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): no
If yes, please explain:

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: Doctors will have alternatives for patients like me.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: I'd love to see development of new antibiotics with the next year.
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.: If these new antibiotics are grossly expensive, low income people and seniors in my situation will be hit the hardest.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): Doctors will have alternatives for patients like me.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program: GoodHousekeeping Magazine

Effective Health Care Program