RT Journal
A1 Kligman AM
T1 REactions to poison ivy extract
JF Journal of the American Medical Association
JO Journal of the American Medical Association
YR 1959
FD October 3
VO 171
IS 5
SP 592
OP 592
DO 10.1001/jama.1959.03010230090024
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1959.03010230090024
AB To the Editor:— 
    Swarts and Rourke (J.A.M.A.170:1409 [July 18] 1959) maintain that the selfadministration of Aqua Ivy tablets for prophylaxis of Rhus dermatitis is hazardous. Four members of one family developed cutaneous reactions after one tablet on three alternate days, and another patient developed purpura and joint swelling after a similar dose.I dissent strongly from the above-mentioned incrimination of Aqua Ivy as the cause of these reactions. Although I believe that this agent is not very helpful in prophylaxis, I am even more certain that it is essentially harmless. In my experience, Aqua Ivy is a weak antigen. None of my patients has complained of untoward effects when the tablets are used in the prescribed way. Lack of sidereactions is the outstanding quality which separates Aqua Ivy from the more potent Rhus allergens that I have studied experimentally (A.M.A. Arch. Dermat.78:47 [July] 1958). Furthermore, large