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

Gluten-free Prescriptions (birth- Control)

Grace Maureen

Recommended Posts

Grace Maureen Rookie
Grace Maureen
Posted

I am newly diagnosed with Celiac Sprue and having a tough time finding medications that are gluten-free.

In particular, I need a birth control pill to help manage endometriosis. When I call the drug companies I always get some form of..."the starch in the product is made from corn, however we cannot claim that it is entirely gluten-free because we do not test for it..."

What does that mean? Should I not use that pill then?

Does anyone know of any gluten-free birth control pills that are safe?

My doctor was absolutly no help. He just told me to call around.

Thank you for any guidance!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted
I am newly diagnosed with Celiac Sprue and having a tough time finding medications that are gluten-free.

In particular, I need a birth control pill to help manage endometriosis. When I call the drug companies I always get some form of..."the starch in the product is made from corn, however we cannot claim that it is entirely gluten-free because we do not test for it..."

What does that mean? Should I not use that pill then?

Does anyone know of any gluten-free birth control pills that are safe?

My doctor was absolutly no help. He just told me to call around.

Thank you for any guidance!

Welcome!

It means that they cannot verify that a product is gluten free unless they test it. If no gluten ingredients are in a product (meds specifically), I generally assume that it's a CYA statement. Meds are not producted on shared equiptment.

Here is a listing of gluten free meds. It's always good to call the company to have a second confirmation.

Open Original Shared Link

ang1e0251 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

It's not a pill but an insert. I have had good luck with the Nuvaring. My periods are so bad, you name it I feel it, the dr's keep me on continuous with no period any more. WHat a relief! I can function again and feel human. Good luck with your search.

*lee-lee* Enthusiast
*lee-lee*
Posted

i've been taking Zovia for years now (used to be called Demulen but i think that name brand is discontinued) and haven't had a problem. it's a generic brand so it should be pretty inexpensive if you have a prescription plan. it's about $30 without insurance.

GlutenGalAZ Enthusiast
GlutenGalAZ
Posted

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is gluten free, I took this for years but recently my doctor changed me over to Lo Estrin 24 Fe which is also gluten free. My dr had me change over to Lo Estrin to figure out if I was bleeding/spotting between periods b/c I have been on Ortho for too many years or if I need to be tested for endometriosis. I have only been on it for almost a month so not really sure yet how much it is helping.

Good Luck hope you can figure what you can take.

num1habsfan Rising Star
num1habsfan
Posted
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is gluten free

That is definitely good to know, I was going to post a topic about them on here but I guess I don't need to. I haven't started them quite yet..the doc said wait until I get my period. We'll see just how much they help my iron deficiency...(you can find more info about that in my thread in this sub-section)

  • 1 month later...
AFleming Newbie
AFleming
Posted

Does any one know if Trinessa (generic version of Ortho Tri Cyclen) is gluten free? I have searched on-line and am in th eprocess of trying to get information from the manufacturer. My insurance keeps changing me to the generic and I am leary to take these.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


GlutenGalAZ Enthusiast
GlutenGalAZ
Posted
Does any one know if Trinessa (generic version of Ortho Tri Cyclen) is gluten free? I have searched on-line and am in th eprocess of trying to get information from the manufacturer. My insurance keeps changing me to the generic and I am leary to take these.

Sorry I don't know if it is gluten free or not. I know Ortho Tri Cyclen is or at least was when I was on it. If you do not want to take the generic and are okay with paying more for the name brand you can ask your doctor to either put the name brand on the prescription and/or check the do not substitute box. My mail in pharmacy gave me generic couple years ago for Ortho (do not remember what it was called) but I did not feel well when taking it (before gluten free days) I was getting side effects with it that did not go away - so they switched me back to the name brand. I always try to remember to ask my dr to check/initial the do not sub box.

GOOD LUCK

  • 8 months later...
clemsnkitti Newbie
clemsnkitti
Posted
I am newly diagnosed with Celiac Sprue and having a tough time finding medications that are gluten-free.

In particular, I need a birth control pill to help manage endometriosis. When I call the drug companies I always get some form of..."the starch in the product is made from corn, however we cannot claim that it is entirely gluten-free because we do not test for it..."

What does that mean? Should I not use that pill then?

Does anyone know of any gluten-free birth control pills that are safe?

My doctor was absolutly no help. He just told me to call around.

Thank you for any guidance!

I have a gluten intolerance and endometriosis-- I take Seasonale (and other generics-- Jolessa, Quasense) without any problem at all.

Hope this helps! It's nice to have a period only every three months....

krawhitham Newbie
krawhitham
Posted

I wanted to add my birth control experience.

I had been on Apri-28 (which is on the gluten-free drugs list) for about 7 years. When I moved from the East Coast to the West Coast, they said I had to switch to the generic out there which is called Reclipsen. Reclipsen is not on the gluten-free list.

I never noticed any problems with gluten UNTIL starting Reclipsen, and so 2 months ago I both stopped taking birth control and went on a gluten-free diet... So just in case anyone was considering that particular drug, do some research on it first!

  • 2 months later...
princessjessie Newbie
princessjessie
Posted

I have the same question.

I'm taking the generic of Yasmin. It's called Ocella or Occella, not sure of the spelling.

If anyone has any information on it that would be helpful. I can't find them on the gluten free drug lists that I have checked.

DownWithGluten Explorer
DownWithGluten
Posted

That gluten-free drugs link someone gave on here is good. I'm not sure if it is ALL inclusive, but I always bring it to the doctors whenever I go and make them pick something from on there. :P

I started taking LoOvral for cramps etc. it's gluten free. The nuvaring someone mentioned on here sounds intriguing.

Beloved Apprentice
Beloved
Posted

Don't flat out trust that GlutenFreeDrugs website, it's got alot of outdated stuff.

You should always call the company yourself, rather than counting on others to do it for you.

I take Tri-Nessa, it's not guaranteed but they say the starch is from Corn, I've been taking for ages with no problems and I had a scope in March, so I'm fairly certain it's fine.

Ortho-Tri-Cyclen (brand name) says no gluten ingredients but will not guarantee gluten-free...pretty much the same thing.

Dasmith Rookie
Dasmith
Posted

I take Loestrin24Fe for birth control. It is gluten free and actually states it on the website...having great results..no side effects at all...hope this helps. :)

  • 6 months later...
NV Girl Newbie
NV Girl
Posted

I have been recently diagnosed with celiac - but have no symptoms. Does anyone know for sure which bc pills are gluten free

Seasonale apparently could have cross contamination in the manufacturing

Loestrin apparenlty has a very small amount of gluten

Thank you

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

I have been recently diagnosed with celiac - but have no symptoms. Does anyone know for sure which bc pills are gluten free

Seasonale apparently could have cross contamination in the manufacturing

Loestrin apparenlty has a very small amount of gluten

Thank you

Loestrin 24Fe claims to have no gluten. It does contain an unspecified starch, probably corn.

modiddly16 Enthusiast
modiddly16
Posted

I've been on Yasmin for about 5 years. The company confirmed that it was gluten free...as they did with Yaz. Yaz, however, caused me to put an obnoxious 10 pounds on that I'm still fighting to get off, so I went back to Yasmin. I never went generic with this because although it would've helped my bank account...the company refused to confirm that it was gluten free...so I stuck with what works and have never had an issue.

glutenfr3309 Rookie
glutenfr3309
Posted

I've been on Yasmin for about 5 years. The company confirmed that it was gluten free...as they did with Yaz. Yaz, however, caused me to put an obnoxious 10 pounds on that I'm still fighting to get off, so I went back to Yasmin. I never went generic with this because although it would've helped my bank account...the company refused to confirm that it was gluten free...so I stuck with what works and have never had an issue.

ooo good to know about yaz. i've been on that now for a couple of years and did not research it yet. glad i won't have to switch!

modiddly16 Enthusiast
modiddly16
Posted

ooo good to know about yaz. i've been on that now for a couple of years and did not research it yet. glad i won't have to switch!

My doctor told me that my reaction isn't a typical result of the pill. A lot of people lose weight on Yaz...however, a lot of people gain it as well. I don't know what the deal is with that but I'm still struggling to get the extra weight off.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Azurette and Kariva were last I checked. What ever you decide, call the company and ask to make sure they didn't change the formula.

  • 1 year later...
Sinenox Apprentice
Sinenox
Posted

Hi there,

Watson Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Reclipsen, is hard to pin down. I had to call them a few times, but I was routed to their laboratory, where I spoke to two technicians named Brendan and Andrew. They both confirmed that there are no gluten ingredients in Reclipsen, and that the starches used are based in corn.

To the OP: Reclipsen is a birth control pill that is sometimes used to treat endometriosis. You may want to check it out. I'm pretty sensitive and I haven't had any problems.

I wanted to add my birth control experience.

I had been on Apri-28 (which is on the gluten-free drugs list) for about 7 years. When I moved from the East Coast to the West Coast, they said I had to switch to the generic out there which is called Reclipsen. Reclipsen is not on the gluten-free list.

I never noticed any problems with gluten UNTIL starting Reclipsen, and so 2 months ago I both stopped taking birth control and went on a gluten-free diet... So just in case anyone was considering that particular drug, do some research on it first!

ElseB Contributor
ElseB
Posted

I was on Yasmin for about 6 year, starting pre-diagnosis. I confirmed gluten free status, but last year I started getting constipation, which is my gluten symptom. I don't think it was gluten though, just the hormones from the pill upsetting my system (because I got no stomach ache, which always precedes the C when I get glutened). But then I got a blood clot which doctors said was most likely due to the pill since I had no other risk factors. So no more pill for me!

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. trents
      - trents replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      Welcome, @catnapt! The most recent guidelines are the daily consumption of a minimum of 10g of gluten (about the amount found in 4-6 slices of wheat bread) for a minimum of two weeks. But if possible stretching that out even more would enhance the chances of getting valid test results. These guidelines are for those who have been eating gluten free for...
    2. catnapt
      - catnapt posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      after several years of issues with a para-gland issue, my endo has decided it's a good idea for me to be tested for celiac disease. I am 70 yrs old and stunned to learn that you can get celiac this late in life. I have just gradually stopped eating most foods that contain gluten over the past several years- they just make me feel ill- although I...
    3. trents
      - trents replied to McKinleyWY's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      4

      Accuracy of testing concerns

      The biopsy looks for damage to the mucosal lining of the small bowel from the inflammation caused by celiac disease when gluten is ingested. Once you remove gluten from the diet, inflammation subsides and the mucosal lining begins to heal.
    4. Theresa2407
      - Theresa2407 replied to chrish42's topic in Doctors
      4

      Doctors and Celiac.com

      Our support groups in Iowa have tried for years to educate doctors and resource sites like this one. We have held yearly conferences with continued education classes. We have brought in Dr. Murray, Dr. Fasano, Dr. Green and Dr. elliott. In those many years we may have had 2 doctors attend. We sent them information, with no response. I talked to...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to suek54's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      4

      Awaiting dermatitis herpetiformis confirmation following biopsy

      If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,255
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Christie Fassel
    Newest Member
    Christie Fassel
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome, @catnapt! The most recent guidelines are the daily consumption of a minimum of 10g of gluten (about the amount found in 4-6 slices of wheat bread) for a minimum of two weeks. But if possible stretching that out even more would enhance the chances of getting valid test results. These guidelines are for those who have been eating gluten free for a significant amount of time. It's called the "gluten challenge".  Yes, you can develop celiac disease at any stage of life. There is a genetic component but also a stress trigger that is needed to activate the celiac genes. About 30-40% of the general population possesses the genetic potential to develop celiac disease but only about 1% of the general population actually develop celiac disease. For most with the potential, the triggering stress event doesn't happen. It can be many things but often it is a viral infection. Having said that, it is also the case that many, many people who eventually are diagnosed with celiac disease probably experienced the actual onset years before. Many celiacs are of the "silent" type, meaning that symptoms are largely missing or very minor and get overlooked until damage to the small bowel lining becomes advanced or they develop iron deficiency anemia or some other medical problem associated with celiac disease. Many, many are never diagnosed or are diagnosed later in life because they did not experience classic symptoms. And many physicians are only looking for classic symptoms. We now know that there are over 200 symptoms/medical problems associated with celiac disease but many docs are only looking for things like boating, gas, diarrhea. I certainly understand your concerns about not wanting to damage your body by taking on a gluten challenge. Your other option is to totally commit to gluten free eating and see if your symptoms improve. It can take two years or more for complete healing of the small bowel lining once going gluten free but usually people experience significant improvement well before then. If their is significant improvement in your symptoms when going seriously gluten free, then you likely have your answer. You would either have celiac disease or NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity).
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      after several years of issues with a para-gland issue, my endo has decided it's a good idea for me to be tested for celiac disease. I am 70 yrs old and stunned to learn that you can get celiac this late in life. I have just gradually stopped eating most foods that contain gluten over the past several years- they just make me feel ill- although I attributed it to other things like bread spiking blood sugar- or to the things I ate *with* the bread or crackers etc   I went to a party in Nov and ate a LOT of a vegan roast made with vital wheat gluten- as well as stuffing, rolls and pie crust... and OMG I was so sick! the pain, the bloating, the gas, the nausea... I didn't think it would ever end (but it did) and I was ready to go the ER but it finally subsided.   I mentioned this to my endo and now she wants me to be tested for celiac after 2 weeks of being on gluten foods. She has kind of flip flopped on how much gluten I should eat, telling me that if the symptoms are severe I can stop. I am eating 2-3 thin slices of bread per day (or english muffins) and wow- it does make me feel awful. But not as bad as when I ate that massive amnt of vital wheat gluten. so I will continue on if I have to... but what bothers me is - if it IS celiac, it seems stupid for lack of a better word, to intentionally cause more damage to my body... but I am also worried, on the other hand, that this is not a long enough challenge to make the blood work results valid.   can you give me any insight into this please?   thank you
    • trents
      Accuracy of testing concerns

      By trents · Posted

      The biopsy looks for damage to the mucosal lining of the small bowel from the inflammation caused by celiac disease when gluten is ingested. Once you remove gluten from the diet, inflammation subsides and the mucosal lining begins to heal. 
    • Theresa2407
      Doctors and Celiac.com

      By Theresa2407 · Posted

      Our support groups in Iowa have tried for years to educate doctors and resource sites like this one.  We have held yearly conferences with continued education classes.   We have brought in Dr. Murray, Dr. Fasano, Dr. Green and Dr. elliott.  In those many years we may have had 2 doctors attend.  We sent them information, with no response.  I talked to my personal doctor and she said their training for Celiac was to show them a skinny man in boxer shorts and a huge stomach.  Saying if you see this, it is Celiac.  If it isn't in their playbook then they don't care.  Most call it an allergy with no mention of our immune system.  There is so much false information on the internet.  Then people don't understand why they can't get well and are acquiring more immune diseases. I mention this site to everyone.  Scott has working hard for the Celiac community.
    • Scott Adams
      Awaiting dermatitis herpetiformis confirmation following biopsy

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
×
×
  • 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.