Antibiotics

Daily
People without a functioning spleen may be prescribed a daily antibiotic. Antibiotics are another way to protect you from some bacterial infections. They are usually recommended for three years after a splenectomy or diagnosis of hyposplenism.

For people who are immunocompromised or who have had a previous serious infection, daily preventative antibiotics may be recommended for a longer duration or even lifelong. This decision is made by your treating medical team.

Emergency Supply

All people without a functioning spleen need an emergency supply of antibiotics in case medical review is not immediately available.

If you develop signs and symptoms of an infection such as fever, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, feeling cold, shivering, sweating, shaking and/or a severe headache or confusion, seek urgent medical attention. If you are unable to seek urgent medical attention take your emergency supply of antibiotics.

Penicillin Allergy

We recommend that people who have been told they have an allergy to penicillin see a specialist to have this confirmed. Spleen Australia can recommend alternative antibiotics in these instances. You or your GP can contact us for further information.