Italian Phrases: Allergies and Medications

Sono allergico alla penicillina.

I am allergic to penicillin.

Always state this before any antibiotic prescription. Carry a card or note in Italian if you have this allergy.

Prendo anticoagulanti. Devo stare attento?

I take anticoagulants. Should I be careful?

Tell any doctor, dentist, or surgeon before procedures. Anticoagulants require specific management before surgery or dental extraction.

Ho un'allergia alimentare grave.

I have a severe food allergy.

Inform restaurants, hospitals, and anyone preparing food. Carry an allergy card ('carta delle allergie') in Italian when travelling.

Sono intollerante al lattosio.

I am lactose intolerant.

Inform restaurants, cafes, and hospitals. Widely understood in Italy — lactose-free options are now common.

Prendo la levotiroxina ogni mattina.

I take levothyroxine every morning.

Inform any doctor of thyroid hormone therapy. Important for dosage interactions and testing interpretation.

Prendo antidepressivi. Devo dirlo al dentista?

I take antidepressants. Should I tell the dentist?

Yes — always tell the dentist, surgeon, and any prescribing doctor about antidepressants. Important for drug interactions and anaesthesia.

Sono allergico alle punture di api.

I am allergic to bee stings.

Tell doctors, campers, outdoor guides, and anyone you spend time with outdoors in Italy. Carry your EpiPen visibly in summer.

Prendo statine per il colesterolo.

I take statins for cholesterol.

Inform any doctor prescribing new medications. Statins have important interactions with some drugs and supplements.

Sono allergico al mezzo di contrasto.

I am allergic to contrast medium/dye.

Tell radiology staff before any CT scan with contrast, MRI with gadolinium, or cardiac catheterisation. This is a critical safety alert.

Prendo la pillola anticoncezionale.

I take the contraceptive pill.

Inform any doctor prescribing medications. The pill interacts with many drugs, including antibiotics and anticonvulsants.

Sono insulino-dipendente. Uso la penna per l'insulina.

I am insulin-dependent. I use an insulin pen.

Inform any healthcare provider, including during hospital admission, dental treatment, or surgery planning.

Ho degli effetti collaterali con questo farmaco.

I am having side effects with this medication.

Report side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. Never stop medications without consulting a healthcare provider first.

Sono allergico al lattice.

I am allergic to latex.

Inform all healthcare providers — dentists, surgeons, nurses — before any procedure. Latex allergy can cause severe anaphylaxis.

Sono allergico alla codeina.

I am allergic to codeine.

Tell any doctor prescribing cough medicines, painkillers, or anaesthetic medications. Codeine is found in combined products.

Sono in terapia con il metadone.

I am on methadone therapy.

Inform any doctor or dentist treating you. Methadone has critical interactions and specific management requirements during hospitalisation.

Prendo il cortisone da lungo tempo.

I have been taking cortisone for a long time.

Tell any prescribing doctor, surgeon, or dentist. Long-term corticosteroid use has significant implications for infection risk, bone health, and surgical management.

Non tollero i farmaci antinfiammatori.

I cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Tell any prescribing doctor or pharmacist. NSAID intolerance affects medication choices for pain, fever, and inflammation.

Sono allergico al nichel.

I am allergic to nickel.

Tell dermatologists, dentists (for implants and braces), and jewellers. Nickel is in many everyday objects and some foods.

Ho ipersensibilità a molte sostanze chimiche.

I have sensitivity to many chemical substances.

Report multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) to doctors — particularly relevant before surgery (cleaning agents, anaesthetics), in hospitals, and when prescribed new medications.

Come devo prendere questo farmaco?

How should I take this medication?

Ask the pharmacist or doctor when collecting any new prescription. Always clarify before starting a new medication.

Ho una prescrizione medica straniera. La accettate?

I have a foreign medical prescription. Do you accept it?

Ask at Italian pharmacies when you have a prescription from another EU country or from outside the EU.

Ho dimenticato il mio farmaco a casa.

I forgot my medication at home.

Tell a pharmacist or doctor when you realise you have forgotten essential medication while travelling.

Ho paura di diventare dipendente da questo farmaco.

I am afraid of becoming dependent on this medication.

Discuss this openly with your doctor or pharmacist — a legitimate and important concern, especially for sleeping pills, anxiolytics, and opioids.