Ingredients In Prescriptions

[Jen H]

Hi,

I have to take an antibiotic and called 2 companies to see if their drug contains gluten. Both representatives' repsonse was "No starch is used in the product". I am new to celiac disease and don't really understand what that means. Neither company could completely vouch that their product is completely gluten free because of outside sources. This seems like a typical response. What does the rep's response mean and what do I do about taking a medicine? Have you taken amoxicilin or doxycycline hydrate before?

Thanks, Jen

[Idahogirl]

I don't know about prescription medications, but for the prescription prenatal vitamins I have to take, the pharmacist said that the manufacturers buy their fillers from the company who gives them the best deal. So they can't guarantee what is in the fillers. They don't have to notify the pharmacy when it changes, and the pharmacy doesn't have to notify you. I was told that it's better to go with the brand name over generic, but the pharmacist said that all companies operate this way, generic or brand. So even though the company had the vitamin listed as gluten free, they weren't willing to stand by that claim.

Frustrating, I know, but I haven't found an answer. Does anyone know if the new drug laws will affect prescription drugs (or over the counter, for that matter)?

Lisa

[mookie03]

Hi,

I have to take an antibiotic and called 2 companies to see if their drug contains gluten.  Both representatives' repsonse was "No starch is used in the product".  I am new to celiac disease and don't really understand what that means.  Neither company could completely vouch that their product is completely gluten free because of outside sources.  This seems like a typical response.  What does the rep's response mean and what do I do about taking a medicine?  Have you taken amoxicilin or doxycycline hydrate before?

Thanks, Jen

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have taken amoxicilin w/o a problem and i just finished taking doxycycline. I am pretty sure i read somewhere they were gluten-free, even though drug companies are too concerned about covering their butts to tell you that. it did slightly bother my stomach, but not in the way that gluten does...antibiotics are very hard on the stomach

[lovegrov]

Unfortunately this is a fairly standard answer with drug manufacturers. However, it's pretty much just a CYA answer. I'd use the medications.

richard

[Jen H]

Thanks guys. I'm going to try the Amoxicilin. It was on two gluten-free websites, so I'll take my chances. You're right, it is super frustrating. I try to be soooo careful and it's disconcerting to be told that there are no guarantees. Great question, Idahogirl. Will the new labeling laws affect prescriptions and OTC medicines?