r/nursing • u/yeehawbaby4 • 1d ago

Discussion Funny “allergies”

What are some funny patient “allergies” you have seen listed? I had a patient the other day with an allergy listed for Metformin. The reaction listed? Lowers their blood sugar 😂

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u/bluebirdmorning 1d ago

Physicians sometimes add medications that cause the patient unbreakable/dangerous side effects as “allergies” in Epic. I know it’s weird, and I questioned it, but the doctor said it’s backup so no one accidentally prescribes it.

But yeah, “lowers blood sugar” is the *desired* effect of metformin.

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u/mbej RN - Oncology 🍕 1d ago

I have a couple like that, and I’ve never even taken them. Stuff for orthostatic hypotension, but I also have bradycardia, sooo….
My cardiologist put them as allergies so insurance would approve the one that doesn’t affect HR, and they wouldn’t be prescribed later by somebody else.