Birth Control

[nothing but nicole]

I am currently taking the generic for Seasonale, I think it is called Jolessa. I cannot find any good information on the print outs given with the script, or on the one that comes from the manufacturer. I looked on glutenfreedrugs.com however couldnt find it on there. Most of the other pills are gluten free but this is a newer form of birth control, it lets you only have four periods a year! Does anyone know if it is gluten free or has anyone else been taking it and been ok?

[zansu]

I have found it easier to get information on name brands than generics. Especially since some of the pharmacies switch generic suppliers regularly (they're all the same, right? ). If you don't have a GOOD relationship with the pharmicist, consider going with the name brand. It does cost more, though.

Labeling on drugs is different than food, so you have to get the manufacturers phone number and call them. With the Allergen labeling laws, you'd think they'd apply it to drugs.

[happygirl]

Call or go to your pharmacist, and ask for them to find out if it is gluten free. I have used both generic and name brand medications, and have never had a problem. Have them but on your file that you have Celiac/gluten allergy/etc so that they will check every medicine for you.

[zansu]

I had a BIG problem with Walgreen mail order in Orlando. They were the mail-order pharmacy for my insurance and they did NOT get it. I was taking a (generic) prescription for about 2 weeks when I realized I was getting glutened. I called, I spoke to multiple managers, I finally resorted to "you poisoned me" to get them to just give me the name brand. No refund, no apology, no nothing. I am now a wee bit gun-shy.

[nothing but nicole]

I asked the pharmacy manager about it at the Publix that I get my drugs at and she was clueless as to what I was talking about. I searched and searched Seasonale's website and searched for the generic too and couldnt find any information. I finally got frustrated and gave up. Everytime I write an email the response I get just makes me mad because people are soooo ignorant. Even with information given to them they still act ignorant. The whole thing just gets frustrating after a while, especially when there is no set standards and people act like Celiac and gluten intolerance is soo rare.

[zansu]

The guy at the walgreens here is pretty good. Said there's a website he can go to, etc. But I don't think he gets the fact that every generic manufacturor may have a different binder... and the website is just for name brand meds... I'll work on him slowly. Don't want to alienate one who's trying.... Since the current prescription is for one that is still under trademark I HAVE to pay the larger copay, anyway.

[princessjessie]

I am also having trouble trying to find out if my birth control pill is gluten free. And I can't stop taking it anyway, i would have to switch to one that is.. but this one has been working against my cramps (which is mainly why i am on it). I would hate to have to switch.

I'm taking the generic of Yasmin, which is Ocella or Occella, not sure. I was assured that they are exactly the same, and have not see any related tummy problems from either, but I'm really trying to elliminate all gluten.

[modiddly16]

I'm on brand name Yasmin. I didn't take the generic because they wouldn't confirm that its Gluten free....They assured me it was the same as well, however, Yasmin would confirm gluten free and Ocella wouldn't...so I pay more for the Yasmin