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gluten-free Meds From Va?

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GlutenGator Newbie
GlutenGator
Posted

I am looking for anyone with experience using the VA for gluten-free meds. My VA Primary Care Provider sends my prescription requests to the pharmacy department asking for gluten-free formulations, but I have zero confidence in trusting the pharmacy techs to actually be certain what they are sending me. I am specifically concerned about thyroid medication. Currently they are sending me Synthroid by AbbVie in .112 mg.

 

Thanks much!

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StephanieL Enthusiast
StephanieL
Posted

You need to contact the manufacturer.  The techs fill it with what they have unless specified a brand. You aren't suppose to switch between brands with Synthroid anyways because it's such fine dosing that it can very enough between manufacturers to cause issues. 

 

In other words, if you want a specific brand your Dr. needs to specify that ( or you'll never be assured they get the same brand each time.)

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

This might be helpful.  Scroll down to find a list of gluten free drugs/meds by alphabetical listing:

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

If you don't find it there, your phamacist, not the techs, can contact the manufacturer for you, if you say 'please'.  :rolleyes:

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

Another technique I use at my pharmacy is having them add a note to my file that pops up when the Pharmacist is verifying, that says "Please consult with patient before filling an existing RX with a new NDC.  Please keep same manufacturer if possible."  This way, as I am on a lot of meds for my health conditions, it makes everything easier to keep track of.  Helps put it in their face a little bit, so ask them if they have something in their system that will show a note each time something is filled.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Another technique I use at my pharmacy is having them add a note to my file that pops up when the Pharmacist is verifying, that says "Please consult with patient before filling an existing RX with a new NDC.  Please keep same manufacturer if possible."  This way, as I am on a lot of meds for my health conditions, it makes everything easier to keep track of.  Helps put it in their face a little bit, so ask them if they have something in their system that will show a note each time something is filled.

Yes.  And I do think they can flag your account as gluten fee as well. I know my pharacist personally and she always verifies for me. It helps to know your people. :)

sunny2012 Rookie
sunny2012
Posted

You may need to educate your pharmacist about which brand or manufacture to purchase for you. Get the list of gluten-free meds and refuse to accept anything with gluten. THey can choose which to order for you.

StephanieL Enthusiast
StephanieL
Posted

You may need to educate your pharmacist about which brand or manufacture to purchase for you. Get the list of gluten-free meds and refuse to accept anything with gluten. THey can choose which to order for you.

 

They can only choose from the manufacturers they are able to get from the wholesale companies they order from. Not all pharmacies can order any med/brand offered. 

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caro7 Newbie
caro7
Posted

If you google Sybtroid by AbbVie gluten free, you will find they do not guarantee it is gluten free. I do not know what part of the country you are in.  My husband goes to the VA in Minneapolis .  We find it very hard to talk to the Pharmasist , they are so busy.. I think you will have to discuss this with your pimary.

Good luck!

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