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Medications & Frustrating Pharmacists

pdx.lila

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pdx.lila Rookie
pdx.lila
Posted

Yesterday my doctor called in a prescription for me (nothing serious,just a little infection) and when I went to pick it up I asked the pharmacist to make sure the medication was gluten-free. I explained to him that I have celiac disease and even the smallest amount of gluten can be harmful. He stared at me and then said he'd look in to it. He spent about 30 minutes trying to figure it out before telling me he didn't think it had gluten in it,but that the manufacturer was closed.

Today I called the pharmacy back and told them that I needed them to call the manufacturer again to make sure there was nothing in it that would make me sick. The pharmacist asked me what happens when I have gluten and then told me that because I didn't have an anaphylactic reaction than she didn't understand why it was such a big deal if I ingested some. I nearly started crying,I was so frustrated that she was telling me this.

I just needed to vent,thanks everyone! Has anyone else had this problem with pharmacists? I know lots of meds don't have gluten,but it seems important to make sure any ones we take absolutely don't.

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captaincrab55 Collaborator
captaincrab55
Posted
Yesterday my doctor called in a prescription for me (nothing serious,just a little infection) and when I went to pick it up I asked the pharmacist to make sure the medication was gluten-free. I explained to him that I have celiac disease and even the smallest amount of gluten can be harmful. He stared at me and then said he'd look in to it. He spent about 30 minutes trying to figure it out before telling me he didn't think it had gluten in it,but that the manufacturer was closed.

Today I called the pharmacy back and told them that I needed them to call the manufacturer again to make sure there was nothing in it that would make me sick. The pharmacist asked me what happens when I have gluten and then told me that because I didn't have an anaphylactic reaction than she didn't understand why it was such a big deal if I ingested some. I nearly started crying,I was so frustrated that she was telling me this.

I just needed to vent,thanks everyone! Has anyone else had this problem with pharmacists? I know lots of meds don't have gluten,but it seems important to make sure any ones we take absolutely don't.

What Pharmacy was it? What Country / State or other information? If it's a Chain, Email the home office.. Contact the Goverment body that the Pharmacist holds their License in...

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

That was a very cold response and none of her darn business. But, you will come across many people who are ignorant to our issues. That's why self education is such a big part of our success.

It is best to contact that manufacturer and use the experience of hundreds here, who have been where you are now. There's great information here.

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

This pharmacist needs to be educated. Meanwhile is there another pharmacy you could go to? I also agree that the pharmacist should be reported, they are responsible for making sure that what they give you is safe for you. As to a lot of meds being safe, well unfortunately that really isn't the case. All your meds need to be checked and if they are generic they need to be checked at each refill. I would never wish celiac on anyone but it this persons case.......

If you can tell us what the med is someone here may know if it is safe or not.

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

My pharmacist doesn't get it either and thought they could just read the label. I always ask the doc. to write the generic and brand name of the med down for me. That way if I can't track one down maybe I'll have better luck with the other. I often end up with a day or so delay. I also have to call them myself and often have to track down the phone numbers myself. They finally are starting to get used to me so last time I was able to call from the pharmacy phone. If I have to look up the numbers myself, I try the manufacturers website or one of the gluten-free meds lists, but I'm not sure how up to date they are. There needs to be a better way! Unfortunately, I've heard your story many times here before from others.

pdx.lila Rookie
pdx.lila
Posted
  • Author

The medication is metronidazole, for treating BV and it was at a Walgreens. I asked for either the manufacturer's name/number or for them to call. They called and told me that the one thing that could possibly have gluten in it is made from potato. I'm still suspicious because they were so dismissive,but I think it's safe. has anyone else had experience with this? As I understand it,this is the generic of Flagyl.

Thanks everyone! It's always nice to hear the comforting comments and "oh yeah,I've been there". I know it's just a matter of informing them and patiently reminding them of what I need.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Here is a list that was updated in 2008. It might point you in a direction, but I would also recommend that you get confirmation from the manufacturer as things change frequently.

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missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

Thanks Momma Goose for the updated list.

lizard00 Enthusiast
lizard00
Posted

I just finished taking that very drug for that very reason. Flagyl (the brand name) is gluten free, but it is hard to find and is super expensive... even with our insurance 7 days was going to cost me $75.

Metronidazole is a serious antibiotic, and it's likely it will make you feel sick, but not from gluten. Make sure you take it after you eat a full meal to ease the stomach affects.

**I should add that mine was made my Pliva (which is part of Teva Pharmaceuticals). I'm not sure if someone else also manufactures it, though.**

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
Metronidazole is a serious antibiotic, and it's likely it will make you feel sick, but not from gluten. Make sure you take it after you eat a full meal to ease the stomach affects.

And by all means, don't drink any alcohol while on it.

finally diagnosed Apprentice
finally diagnosed
Posted
The medication is metronidazole, for treating BV and it was at a Walgreens. I asked for either the manufacturer's name/number or for them to call. They called and told me that the one thing that could possibly have gluten in it is made from potato. I'm still suspicious because they were so dismissive,but I think it's safe. has anyone else had experience with this? As I understand it,this is the generic of Flagyl.

Thanks everyone! It's always nice to hear the comforting comments and "oh yeah,I've been there". I know it's just a matter of informing them and patiently reminding them of what I need.

i just finished a dose of this "flagyl" is the brand name and metronidazole is the generic name. i had no problem with it. i too use walgreens, but my pharmacist understands celiac. i had to tell him about it, and in the beginning there were many times that i could call the manufacturer myself. they will give you the number or the company's name. on every drug website you can call, there is a pharmacy or allergy promt. the person on the other end will ask you many questions, ie: allergies, doc, address etc. they will put you on hold for a little bit, but when they come back they will tell you with 100% if there is gluten in it, or in the generic brand. most of the time my pharm with do the research, but sometimes it is easier for me. i would report your pharmacist for their words, they of all people understand contraindications with medications. that remark was uncalled for. I am sorry you had a hard time with this particular pharmacist. i finally have one i trust, to the point that my nasal inhaler is now only covered by generic brand and it had gluten. it took them about a week but they found one that i could use and ordered for me. sometimes its all about customer service, one person can make everyone else bad. good luck. remember with this medicine absolutiely no alcohol, or red wine vinegar. it will give you an antibuse effect and you will vomit until the cows come home. make sure you drink plenty of water with this to prevent a yeast infection in your throat. don't forget as well side effects to this med as well as other antiinfectives is diarrhea, headache, cramping, and metallic taste in your mouth. the do subside eventually, but the taste is awful, use sugar free hard candies to help with that (gluten free of course) good luck

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