An overview of latex allergy, including methods for preventing reactions and reducing exposure to latex, is provided. Latex allergy is a serious medical problem for an increasing number of patients and health care workers. From an institutional perspective, several precautionary procedures need to be followed to ensure safe care for patients and to protect employees from unnecessary latex exposure. These include establishing a multidisciplinary committee to develop policies and procedures; identifying products containing latex; identifying latex-sensitive patients and employees as well as those at high risk of developing the sensitivity; implementing precautions against allergic reactions to latex; educating personnel and patients on latex allergy; and reviewing quality assurance data to continually improve precautionary procedures. Pharmacists should be involved in developing and implementing these procedures. In particular, they can play a major role in the education of health professionals and patients. There is a strong need for more information on latex sensitivity, especially in the areas of epidemiology, product development, and effectiveness of procedures. Each institution, including its pharmacists, must evaluate the available information about latex sensitivity and determine appropriate actions.
