Evidence checked as of October 2026. Written by The Wellness Team.
Can you have polynucleotides if you have a fish allergy?
Do not book a fish-derived polynucleotide injection without telling the treating clinician about a fish allergy. The exact product and its instructions matter. A history of reacting to fish is a reason for an individual assessment, not something to dismiss because a treatment is described as purified or natural. If there is uncertainty, postpone an elective treatment until it has been checked.
Polynucleotides are often called salmon DNA or skin boosters. Those phrases can hide important differences between products and techniques. Before comparing results or prices, ask what will actually be used, where it will be placed and whether it is appropriate for your medical history. A careful consultation can prevent a treatment decision that was never right for your skin.
Why does the source of the product matter?
Harley Academy's guidance on under-eye treatment describes polynucleotides as fish-derived and identifies fish allergy as a contraindication to consider during consultation. This is particularly relevant when a patient has heard only the marketing name rather than the ingredients. Tell the clinician what you reacted to, what happened, how quickly symptoms appeared and whether you needed emergency treatment.
Bring a list of known allergies, medicines and previous reactions to injectables, local anaesthetics, antiseptics or dressings. Do not assume that tolerating one cosmetic treatment establishes that another is safe. Different products can have different ingredients and instructions. Neither a social-media testimonial nor an online article can give individual clearance.
A history of a severe allergic reaction deserves particular care. If you carry an adrenaline auto-injector, say so when arranging the consultation. Do not test a questionable product yourself or take an antihistamine simply to try to make an unsuitable injection acceptable.
Is PRP automatically a safe alternative?
PRP is prepared from a sample of your own blood, rather than being a fish-derived polynucleotide product. That difference may make it worth discussing, but it does not make PRP risk-free or mean it is a direct substitute. The consultation still needs to consider the intended benefit, your health, the treatment area and anything else used during the procedure.
Injections can cause pain, bruising, swelling or infection. A person's own blood does not remove risks associated with a needle, preparation or other materials. Tell the clinician about bleeding disorders, medicines affecting bleeding, active skin problems and previous reactions. Do not stop prescribed medicines to qualify for a cosmetic appointment without advice from the prescriber.
PRP and polynucleotides should not be selected as interchangeable ways to fix every concern. The evidence, technique and realistic endpoint need to match the problem. A clinician may recommend a different treatment or no injection at all.
What can under-eye treatment realistically change?
Fine lines and crepey skin are different from a deep hollow, prominent bags or pigmentation. An examination helps distinguish them. Harley Academy notes that polynucleotides may be considered when the concern is skin quality, while some under-eye problems need a different approach and, in selected cases, surgery. An injectable is not a universal answer to looking tired.
The research is developing. A 2024 review of polynucleotides describes promising findings but also a shortage of high-quality, large randomised trials, variation between treatment protocols and limited long-term follow-up. That is a reason to agree a modest, measurable goal and a review plan, rather than assume a guaranteed transformation or permanent result.
Ask which feature the clinician expects to improve, how that will be assessed and what would count as an unsatisfactory response. Standardised photographs can make the discussion more useful than comparing selfies taken in different lighting.
What should you ask before paying for a course?
Start with suitability, not a discount. Ask for the product name and source, the reason it is suitable for your history, the expected number of appointments and the plan if you react or do not improve. Confirm the full cost and the clinic's cancellation terms before committing.
The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness offers PRP and polynucleotide treatments. As of October 2026, the published single-session price for its Rejuran polynucleotide treatment is £600. This is not a personalised quote or a recommendation that it is suitable for someone with a fish allergy. The appropriate treatment and written scope should be agreed after assessment.
Discuss your skin concerns, allergies and treatment options with the clinic: https://www.thelondonprpclinic.com/contact-best-prp-clinic-london
Review current services before arranging an assessment: https://www.thelondonprpclinic.com/services
When does a reaction need urgent help?
Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms after an injection can be an emergency. Call 999 for a suspected severe allergic reaction. If you have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, follow your emergency treatment plan. Do not wait for a routine clinic message to be answered.
For a non-emergency concern after treatment, contact the treating clinician promptly and describe when it started, how it is changing and any other symptoms. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or individual treatment clearance.
Evidence and further reading
Harley Academy: when to use tear trough filler versus polynucleotides. Consultation, skin-quality concerns and fish-allergy precautions: https://www.harleyacademy.com/aesthetic-medicine-articles/when-to-use-tear-trough-filler-versus-polynucleotides/
Mayo Clinic: anaphylaxis symptoms and emergency treatment: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468