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pre-pen

Pre-Pen (Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine) is a medication supplied as an injection.

Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine · by Allerquest

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Form
Injectable
Strength
Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine 60UMOLAR
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Allerquest
FDA application
BLA050114

What is Pre-Pen?

From the FDA label:PRE-PEN ® (benzylpenicilloyl polylysine) injection is a sterile solution of benzylpenicilloyl polylysine in a concentration of 6.0 X 10 -5 M (benzylpenicilloyl) in 0.01 M monobasic sodium phosphate and 0.15 M sodium chloride. Benzylpenicilloyl polylysine is a derivative of poly-l-lysine, where the epsilon amino groups are substituted with benzylpenicilloyl groups (50-70%) forming benzylpenicilloyl alpha amide. Each single-dose ampule contains 0.25 mL of PRE-PEN. PRE-PEN has the following structure: Structure

How to use

Skin testing responses can be attenuated by interfering drugs (e.g. H1-antihistamines and vasopressors). Skin testing should be delayed until the effects of such drugs have dissipated, or a separate skin test with histamine can be used to evaluate persistent antihistaminic effects in vivo. Due to the risk of potential systemic allergic reactions, skin testing should be performed in an appropriate healthcare setting under direct medical supervision. Puncture Testing : Skin testing is usually performed on the inner volar aspect of the forearm. The skin test antigen should always be applied first by the puncture technique. After preparing the skin surface, apply a small drop of PRE-PEN solution using a sterile 22-28 gauge needle. The same needle can then be used to make a single shallow puncture of the epidermis through the drop of PRE-PEN. Very little pressure is required to break the epidermal continuity. Observe for the appearance of a wheal, erythema, and the occurrence of itching at the test site during the succeeding 15 minutes at which time the solution over the puncture site is wiped off. A positive reaction consists of the development within 10 minutes of a pale wheal, sometimes with pseudopods, surrounding the puncture site and varying in diameter from 5 to 15 mm (or more). This wheal may be surrounded by a variable diameter of erythema, and accompanied by a variable…

Side effects

Occasionally, patients may develop an intense local inflammatory response at the skin test site. Rarely, patients will develop a systemic allergic reaction, manifested by generalized erythema, pruritus, angioedema, urticaria, dyspnea, hypotension, and anaphylaxis. The usual methods of treating a skin test antigen-induced reaction — the applications of a venous occlusion tourniquet proximal to the skin test site and administration of epinephrine are recommended. The patient should be kept under observation for several hours.

Warnings

Important safety information

The risk of sensitization to repeated skin testing with PRE-PEN is not established. Rarely, a systemic allergic reaction including anaphylaxis (see below) may follow a skin test with PRE-PEN. To decrease the risk of a systemic allergic reaction, puncture skin testing should be performed first. Intradermal skin testing should be performed only if the puncture test is entirely negative.

Who should not take Pre-Pen

PRE-PEN is contraindicated in those patients who have exhibited either a systemic or marked local reaction to its previous administration. Patients known to be extremely hypersensitive to penicillin should not be skin tested.

Storing Pre-Pen, and how long it keeps

Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.

  • If removed from refrigerator, PRE-PEN should be kept at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) and must be used within 24 hours.
  • Store PRE-PEN refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Dosage forms

Injectable

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a coupon or discount for Pre-Pen?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Pre-Pen. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Pre-Pen?
Pre-Pen is marketed by Allerquest. You can see Allerquest's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Pre-Pen a brand-name or generic drug?
Pre-Pen is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine.
Is Pre-Pen available over the counter?
No. Pre-Pen is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Pre-Pen come in?
Pre-Pen is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Pre-Pen FDA-registered?
Pre-Pen is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA050114. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Pre-Pen safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Pre-Pen. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Pre-Pen?
Pre-Pen's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Occasionally, patients may develop an intense local inflammatory response at the skin test site. Rarely, patients will develop a systemic allergic reaction, manifested by generalized erythema, pruritus, angioedema, urticaria, dyspnea, hypotension, and anaphylaxis.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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