Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Ignorant Pharmacist

Eddierickles

Recommended Posts

Eddierickles Newbie
Eddierickles
Posted

I picked up my prescription at Walgreens yesterday.  I informed the pharmacist that I have celiac disease and need to make sure the pills do not contain gluten.  She checked with the manufacturer and said that it DOES contain gluten, but "it is a small amount and a small pill", and that I "wouldn't even feel it."  (I have to take these pills up to 4x daily) She also said it is almost impossible to find a pill without a small amount of gluten. I was shocked.  This is coming from a professional pharmacist.

 

Needless to say I am reluctant to even try the pills to see if I will "feel" the gluten.

 

Please advise.  Thanks!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Pharmacists have no idea. You should contact the manufacturer. A lot of them will not want to say they are gluten-free because they don't test them. I just make sure they have no obvious gluten ingredients. That said, there are very few meds that actually have gluten.

There is a website - glutenfreedrugs.com Which lists some meds. You might check there.

Eddierickles Newbie
Eddierickles
Posted
  • Author

Pharmacists have no idea. You should contact the manufacturer. A lot of them will not want to say they are gluten-free because they don't test them. I just make sure they have no obvious gluten ingredients. That said, there are very few meds that actually have gluten.

There is a website - glutenfreedrugs.com Which lists some meds. You might check there.

Thanks for the reply.  The pharmacist already contacted the manufacturer and they confirmed the pill does contain gluten.  My question is:  is it such a small amount (under 20 ppm?) that it won't cause symptoms or damage?

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Thanks for the reply. The pharmacist already contacted the manufacturer and they confirmed the pill does contain gluten. My question is: is it such a small amount (under 20 ppm?) that it won't cause symptoms or damage?

I wouldn't trust the pharmacist. I bet he got a CYA statement like I mentioned. You need to check these things yourself before you pick up the medications to be safe. But, that is my advice & how I do it... You may do as you wish.

Adalaide Mentor
Adalaide
Posted

I agree with Karen. The pharmacist is probably a complete moron and has no actual clue what the actual heck they are talking about. Call the manufacturer yourself on Tuesday and see what they say. It is extremely rare for a pill to contain gluten, but almost all manufacturers will say something along the lines of "we don't actually test for it so while it doesn't contain any gluten ingredients we won't say it's actually gluten free blah blah blah" which is what we all refer to as a CYA statement. These drugs are perfectly safe to take. Keep in mind, a significant number of people (pharmacists included, I've had one I dealt with) think gluten and glucose are the same thing. Don't ask me how a pharmacist could possibly think that, but I've seen it happen.

Wi11ow Apprentice
Wi11ow
Posted

This is good info to know. I asked my pharmacist last week. He looked them all up. Told me there were no ingredients that contained gluten. That they were mostly found in the capsules. Mine are all tablets. He really seemed to understand. But he also gave me manufactures numbers. I'm taking enough I guess I really need to call and find out - thanks

Georgia-guy Enthusiast
Georgia-guy
Posted

He really seemed to understand. But he also gave me manufactures numbers. I'm taking enough I guess I really need to call and find out - thanks

Wi11ow, it's nice to know there are some medical professionals that do seem to know, and aren't too cocky to give you the manufacturer's numbers without you asking. I have a cocktail of drugs I cannot take, and recently moved all my Rx to a new pharmacy because they handed me a Rx that was straight up I couldn't take...then refused to do anything like give me my $25 copay back when I was still standing at the counter (I did not realize they switched it from brand name to generic when I signed and paid). Then I have had a doctor try to give me a shot that the last time I got that Rx he had to call 911 as I started having severe cardiac issues. That doc is no longer one I see or recommend, and the state medical board and the large practice he works for that has 8 hospitals got a nice letter from me which they appreciated. Which brings up the question, does anyone know if Tylenol's Rx Acetaminophen, Vimovo, or injected steroids contain gluten?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Wi11ow Apprentice
Wi11ow
Posted

Wi11ow, it's nice to know there are some medical professionals that do seem to know, and aren't too cocky to give you the manufacturer's numbers without you asking. I have a cocktail of drugs I cannot take, and recently moved all my Rx to a new pharmacy because they handed me a Rx that was straight up I couldn't take...then refused to do anything like give me my $25 copay back when I was still standing at the counter (I did not realize they switched it from brand name to generic when I signed and paid). Then I have had a doctor try to give me a shot that the last time I got that Rx he had to call 911 as I started having severe cardiac issues. That doc is no longer one I see or recommend, and the state medical board and the large practice he works for that has 8 hospitals got a nice letter from me which they appreciated. Which brings up the question, does anyone know if Tylenol's Rx Acetaminophen, Vimovo, or injected steroids contain gluten?

Holy Cow!! How do you ever trust anyone??!?

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Wi11ow, it's nice to know there are some medical professionals that do seem to know, and aren't too cocky to give you the manufacturer's numbers without you asking. I have a cocktail of drugs I cannot take, and recently moved all my Rx to a new pharmacy because they handed me a Rx that was straight up I couldn't take...then refused to do anything like give me my $25 copay back when I was still standing at the counter (I did not realize they switched it from brand name to generic when I signed and paid). Then I have had a doctor try to give me a shot that the last time I got that Rx he had to call 911 as I started having severe cardiac issues. That doc is no longer one I see or recommend, and the state medical board and the large practice he works for that has 8 hospitals got a nice letter from me which they appreciated. Which brings up the question, does anyone know if Tylenol's Rx Acetaminophen, Vimovo, or injected steroids contain gluten?

I can't find the link right now...but gluten is not used in injections, IVs etc.

Did you check the gluten-free drug site? I think the Rx Tylenol was gluten-free before. Your pharmacy may give you a generic. Before you pick it up, find out what company makes it. I have had some luck with googling companies and actually finding the info on line. But some have CYA statements because they don't test for gluten but use no gluten ingredients.

treesahope Newbie
treesahope
Posted

I need to call the manufacturer every time I get a new RX.  I had to take a med, and investigated it down to the manufacturer, but the ingredients the manufacturer buys are processed at yet another place and from there I lost my trail of securing my pill was gluten free.  It was the anti-acid purple pill.  I was so ill with inflammation due to gluten from one of the two pills I was taking, I had pain in my joints for the first time ever.  It depends how badly you need the RX to take the risk, I am next going to a compounding Pharmacy to get a safer liquid form or injection of meds if I need them in the future.  Sorry, Pharmacists don't require a Celiac class (YET).  As more of "us" come out of the woodworks, newer measures will and should come to be.  Yes we have an interesting life checking for Gluten, have you made sure your shampoo is gluten free. ;)  uuugggh I know right!

africanqueen99 Contributor
africanqueen99
Posted

Maybe I'm just lucky, but we use CVS for our pharmacy and the pharmacist hands me the box that the medication comes in (without the medication in it, of course) and I stand there and call the manufacturer with the appropriate codes.  My kids' notes say they can't have gluten and I just explain that our entire house is gluten-free.  It's never been an issue.

 

I own these decisions for myself and don't ask the pharmacist about a manufacturer's formulation - which changes.  I also don't think it's fair to call someone a moron or ignorant for not knowing something they're not trained to know.

Eddierickles Newbie
Eddierickles
Posted
  • Author

Everyone is saying to check with the manufacturer.  My pharmacist checked with the manufacturer. (OP)  The manufacturer admitted the pills contain gluten.  So, what the replies are saying, is, maybe the pharmacist and the manufacturer are wrong?

 

I will call the manufacturer on Tuesday myself and scrutinize each ingredient.

africanqueen99 Contributor
africanqueen99
Posted

^^^ And I'm just saying that I wouldn't trust that information coming from anybody but the manufacturer TO ME.  If the manufacturer says there is gluten in it then find a different medication or have it made at a compounding pharmacy.  As mentioned earlier, they often have a CYA statement that won't say gluten free, but will say there are no gluten ingredients.  For me, that's good enough.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

^^^ And I'm just saying that I wouldn't trust that information coming from anybody but the manufacturer TO ME.  If the manufacturer says there is gluten in it then find a different medication or have it made at a compounding pharmacy.  As mentioned earlier, they often have a CYA statement that won't say gluten free, but will say there are no gluten ingredients.  For me, that's good enough.

 

 

Ditto   :)

Georgia-guy Enthusiast
Georgia-guy
Posted

I can't find the link right now...but gluten is not used in injections, IVs etc.

Did you check the gluten-free drug site? I think the Rx Tylenol was gluten-free before. Your pharmacy may give you a generic. Before you pick it up, find out what company makes it. I have had some luck with googling companies and actually finding the info on line. But some have CYA statements because they don't test for gluten but use no gluten ingredients.

I have checked, but it's been a few years and I can remember the exact pill info it was. I know that it was a straight acetaminophen pill (as in not mixed with Codeine etc) which is why the doc said it was the acetaminophen I was reacting to. The reaction to that has had me scared to take any painkillers. The funny thing is, I was given the Rx for pain I now believe is related to gluten.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I have checked, but it's been a few years and I can remember the exact pill info it was. I know that it was a straight acetaminophen pill (as in not mixed with Codeine etc) which is why the doc said it was the acetaminophen I was reacting to. The reaction to that has had me scared to take any painkillers. The funny thing is, I was given the Rx for pain I now believe is related to gluten.

Tylenol with codeine is listed as gluten-free.

Georgia-guy Enthusiast
Georgia-guy
Posted

Tylenol with codeine is listed as gluten-free.

This one wasn't mixed, it was straight acetaminophen. I'm not thinking it was gluten though because my reaction was nothing like when I eat gluten.

Austin Guy Contributor
Austin Guy
Posted

For drug info check out Open Original Shared Link.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Mari
      - Mari replied to tiffanygosci's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      10

      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      There is much helpful 'truth' posted on this forum. Truths about Celiac Disease are based on scientific research and people's experience. Celiac disease is inherited. There are 2 main Celiac 'genes' but they are variations of one gene called HLa - DQ What is inherited when a person inherits one or both of the DQ2 or the DQ8 is a predisposition to develop...
    2. tiffanygosci
      - tiffanygosci posted a topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      0

      Aldi Pueblo Lindo Yellow Corn Tortillas

      Another annoying thing about trying to figure this Celiac life out is reading all of the labels and considering every choice. I shop at Aldi every week and have been for years. I was just officially diagnosed Celiac a couple weeks ago this October after my endoscopy. I've been encouraged by my local Aldi in that they have a lot of gluten free products...
    3. tiffanygosci
      - tiffanygosci replied to tiffanygosci's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      10

      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      Thank you all for sharing your experiences! And I am very thankful for that Thanksgiving article, Scott! I will look into it more as I plan my little dinner to bring with on the Holiday I'm also glad a lot of research has been done for Celiac. There's still a lot to learn and discover. And everyone has different symptoms. For me, I get a bad headache...
    4. trents
      - trents replied to tiffanygosci's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      10

      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      @Mari, did you read that second article that Scott linked? It is the most recently date one. "Researchers comparing rates of headaches, including migraines, among celiac patients and a healthy control group showed that celiac subjects experienced higher rates of headaches than control subjects, with the greatest rates of migraines found in celiac women...
    5. Mari
      - Mari replied to tiffanygosci's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      10

      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      As far as I know and I have made severalonline searches, celiac disease disease has not been recognized as a cause of migraines or any eye problems. What I wrote must have been confusing.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,980
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Susan Upchurch
    Newest Member
    Susan Upchurch
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Mari
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By Mari · Posted

      There is much helpful 'truth' posted on this forum. Truths about Celiac Disease are based on scientific research and people's experience. Celiac disease is inherited. There are 2 main Celiac 'genes' but they are variations of one gene called HLa - DQ What is inherited when a person inherits one or both of the DQ2 or the DQ8 is a predisposition to develop celiac disease after exposure to a environmental trigger. These 2 versions of the DQ gene are useful in diagnosing  celiac disease but there are about 25 other genes that are known to influence celiac disease so this food intolerance is a multigenic autoimmune disease. So with so many genes involved and each person inheriting a different array of these other genes one person's symptoms may be different than another's symptoms.  so many of these other genes.  I don't think that much research on these other genes as yet. So first I wrote something that seem to tie together celiac disease and migraines.  Then you posted that you had migraines and since you went gluten free they only come back when you are glutened. Then Scott showed an article that reported no connection between migraines and celiac disease, Then Trents wrote that it was possible that celiacs had more migraines  and some believed there was a causal effect. You are each telling the truth as you know it or experienced it.   
    • tiffanygosci
      Aldi Pueblo Lindo Yellow Corn Tortillas

      By tiffanygosci · Posted

      Another annoying thing about trying to figure this Celiac life out is reading all of the labels and considering every choice. I shop at Aldi every week and have been for years. I was just officially diagnosed Celiac a couple weeks ago this October after my endoscopy. I've been encouraged by my local Aldi in that they have a lot of gluten free products and clearly labeled foods. I usually buy Milagro corn tortillas because they are cheap and are certified. However, I bought a package of Aldi's Pueblo Lindo Yellow Corn Tortillas without looking too closely (I was assuming they were fine... assuming never gets us anywhere good lol) it doesn't list any wheat products and doesn't say it was processed in a facility with wheat. It has a label that it's lactose free (hello, what?? When has dairy ever been in a tortilla?) Just, ugh. If they can add that label then why can't they just say something is gluten free or not? I did eat some of the tortillas and didn't notice any symptoms but I'm just not sure if it's safe. So I'll probably have to let my family eat them and stick with Milagro. There is way too much uncertainty with this but I guess you just have to stick with the clearly labeled products? I am still learning!
    • tiffanygosci
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By tiffanygosci · Posted

      Thank you all for sharing your experiences! And I am very thankful for that Thanksgiving article, Scott! I will look into it more as I plan my little dinner to bring with on the Holiday I'm also glad a lot of research has been done for Celiac. There's still a lot to learn and discover. And everyone has different symptoms. For me, I get a bad headache right away after eating gluten. Reoccurring migraines and visual disturbances were actually what got my PCP to order a Celiac Panel. I'm glad he did! I feel like when the inflammation hits my body it targets my head, gut, and lower back. I'm still figuring things out but that's what I've noticed after eating gluten! I have been eating gluten-free for almost two months now and haven't had such severe symptoms. I ate a couple accidents along the way but I'm doing a lot better
    • trents
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By trents · Posted

      @Mari, did you read that second article that Scott linked? It is the most recently date one. "Researchers comparing rates of headaches, including migraines, among celiac patients and a healthy control group showed that celiac subjects experienced higher rates of headaches than control subjects, with the greatest rates of migraines found in celiac women.  Additionally, celiacs had higher rates of migraine than control subjects, especially in women. In fact, four out of five women with celiac disease suffered from migraines, and without aura nearly three-quarters of the time."
    • Mari
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By Mari · Posted

      As far as I know and I have made severalonline searches, celiac disease disease has not been recognized as a cause of migraines or any eye problems. What I wrote must have been confusing.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.