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

Pharmacists--Ugh!


christianmom247

Recommended Posts

christianmom247 Explorer

My doc gave me a new prescription for blood pressure medicine, which I took to the local CVS pharmacy where my file is flagged with a gluten-free alert. I had been told they would call the manufacturer to verify the safety of any prescription before dispensing it, but of course they didn't.

I called a CVS pharmacist when I got home and discovered that they had not done this, and he got REALLY belligerent and snotty with me for expecting him to actually check before dispensing!!

Is this something that I should expect a pharmacy to do? The doctor can't do it, because she has no way of knowing which generic manufacturer a particular pharmacy will be using. I can't do it for the same reason. Anyone know of some chain pharmacies where they are supposed to check before dispensing?


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



psawyer Proficient

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Not all pharmacists are like that.

The pharmacist that I deal with understands my needs, and checks with the manufacturer of the generic before filling the prescription. I always give Derek enough lead time on refills that if he needs to order from an alternate supplier, he can do so before I run out. It works for me, and for Derek.

VydorScope Proficient

I have had similar issues with CVS, but I think it is a location by location thing and not so much an issue with the chain. The Walgreens here in town has always been great to us, but our insurance company no longer covers them so we can not use them. :angry:

kareng Grand Master

Walgreens won't or " can't " check. They aren't allowed to make long distance calls or use the Internet. That's what I was told. So I call before I pick up, find out the manufacturer and sometimes they give me some drug number. They give me a phone number if they have it, otherwise, I have to search the Internet. Then I call the manufacturer. This could be a problem with emergencies or weekends or hospital stays. So far, most seem to be gluten-free but not all.

Razzle Dazzle Brazell Enthusiast

My doc gave me a new prescription for blood pressure medicine, which I took to the local CVS pharmacy where my file is flagged with a gluten-free alert. I had been told they would call the manufacturer to verify the safety of any prescription before dispensing it, but of course they didn't.

I called a CVS pharmacist when I got home and discovered that they had not done this, and he got REALLY belligerent and snotty with me for expecting him to actually check before dispensing!!

Is this something that I should expect a pharmacy to do? The doctor can't do it, because she has no way of knowing which generic manufacturer a particular pharmacy will be using. I can't do it for the same reason. Anyone know of some chain pharmacies where they are supposed to check before dispensing?

Oh heck no! That is the thought that came to my mind. I am a pharmacy tech and i know that is absolutely not acceptable. Besides that, what about the commercials they are advertising: "my cvs, this is my pharmacy". It even specifically mentions monitoring drug interactions....Haha wow!

Adalaide Mentor

After a handful of incidents of "well it doesn't look to me like any of the ingredients are wheat" I decided that pharmacists are not to be trusted. I bring every prescription home, do an online search, call pharmacies to see who the manufacturer is and then call the manufacturer. I failed once to do this and naturally came home with a gluteny medication that had me all sorts of messed up. Sure, it's a lot of work and a royal pain in the butt, especially since I simply can not fill all my prescriptions at the same pharmacy, but my health is worth it.

rosetapper23 Explorer

I provided CVS with the same information, and they have NEVER done any type of checking before filling my prescriptions. Never! So, I always check with the manufacturer when I get home. However, they have always assured me that if it turned out that the medication is NOT gluten free, they would allow me to return it. I haven't found any pharmacies to be willing to check beforehand on whether or not a particular prescription is gluten free. It's wrong, yes....but, unfortunately, no one seems to "get" it.


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



FernW Rookie

I'm with Adlaide. I bring all my Meds home and call myself. I also made the mistake of trusting the Pharmacy and I got sick real sick. Not happening again if I can help it. I go to Walmart now, mostly for convience and they don't check, neither did Rite Aide or CVS and Walgreens is not allowed. They all know I am gluten free and they couldn't care less, my best friend is a pharmacy tech at Walgreens but she cannot check. She used to work for the CVS I used to go to and that is the pharmacy I used when I got glutened. She was not surprised. You have to be lucky and find a good person at the pharmacy willing to do the extra work. So far I have not been lucky.

christianmom247 Explorer

Does it make any difference if the doctor writes something like "gluten-free only" on the prescription? Then they wouldn't be fulfilling the prescription as ordered if they didn't check? <_<

kareng Grand Master

After a handful of incidents of "well it doesn't look to me like any of the ingredients are wheat" I decided that pharmacists are not to be trusted. I bring every prescription home, do an online search, call pharmacies to see who the manufacturer is and then call the manufacturer. I failed once to do this and naturally came home with a gluteny medication that had me all sorts of messed up. Sure, it's a lot of work and a royal pain in the butt, especially since I simply can not fill all my prescriptions at the same pharmacy, but my health is worth it.

You need to call before you bring the meds home. Most pharmacies won't take back the meds, it may not be legal. Even if you get the doc to prescribe it again, your insurance has paid for the ones you can't use and won't pay again. IF you have gotten a pain med, they can't give you anything more in the US. And you get into the system as a "drug seeker".

This list may be helpful.

Open Original Shared Link

IrishHeart Veteran

I take no medications on a regular basis, but when I have had to, I am very fortunate that my Rite Aid pharmacist has bent over backwards for me. My account is red-flagged and they read labels and call companies for me.

Then, she gives me the insert, I read it and check it, too.

The thing is, most companies cannot guarantee anything for us anyway.

The one pharmaceutical company that was gracious in complying with a firm email and a phone call back stating "We have no wheat gltuen in our products, we use corn starch" was TEVA pharmaceuticals.

Lisa Mentor

This might be helpful:

Open Original Shared Link

Gemini Experienced

Unless your pharmacist has Celiac, why would anyone rely on an outside person to deem their meds safe? Pharmacists

have a degree in dispensing meds but that doesn't mean they know everything about them. I never trust anyone with verifying

a medication as gluten free but research it myself. If I have a known medication that is gluten-free and works well for me, that is what I tell the doctor to give me. The few times I have needed to take anything, the doctors I saw always deferred to my knowledge with this.

I have yet to meet any pharmacist who is Celiac knowledgeable. Many have been dopes about it, unfortunately.

IrishHeart Veteran

Does it make any difference if the doctor writes something like "gluten-free only" on the prescription? Then they wouldn't be fulfilling the prescription as ordered if they didn't check? <_<

No. There is no way he can "make that happen".

You can consult the most up- to- date gluten-free medications/OTC lists,

read the ingredients yourself

and call the company.

The companies I have called (food, meds, other products) are all very gracious about answering questions.

squirmingitch Veteran

We just had a horrible experience with our CVS being jerks by not refilling my hubs remaining refills for Levothyroxine all because the Dr. closed that practice & opened another. ?????? So we have a problem with CVS b/c they act like jerks! They wouldn't even transfer the scrip to another pharmacy who requested they do so.

That's okay. We now use a local pharmacy that has been around forever in our town. Not a big chain pharmacy. The scrips don't cost any more than the chain stores. In fact, the Levo cost $4 per 30 day supply. AND the pharmacist checked to make sure it contains no gluten! Personal service. Pharmacist who cares. They have free delivery too. Sometimes it's better to go with the small guy & we would even if we had to pay more for the meds b/c we "get what we pay for".wink.gif

bartfull Rising Star

Because I have gluten/soy/corn intolerance, I get my meds made at a compounding pharmacy. My doctor writes it on the 'script', and yeah, it costs a little more, but I know I am safe.

IrishHeart Veteran

Because I have gluten/soy/corn intolerance, I get my meds made at a compounding pharmacy. My doctor writes it on the 'script', and yeah, it costs a little more, but I know I am safe.

That's a good idea, B!! We have one of those compounding pharmacies here and when I had to be on thyroid meds (briefly) they did that for me.

I also used a mail-order compounding pharmacy, but your doc has to be willing to do all this for you. He had to fax it in for me.

Again, it was not a long term thing for me, so I do not know how practical it is for everyone or if they take insurance. (that one did not)

christianmom247 Explorer

Just got a call from the district manager of the area CVS pharmacies after I complained about being brushed off by two of their pharmacists. He was NOT happy with them--said the they ARE supposed to be looking up the info for me and not dispensing medications that would be harmful. They likened it to making sure that someone with an allergy to penicillin or to peanuts wasn't given a drug with those ingredients. He even gave me his name and number to call back if I have any further problems! So it's not CVS at all--just some of their pharmacists who aren't doing what they're supposed to! :o

Adalaide Mentor

You need to call before you bring the meds home.

What I meant is that I leave the doctor's office and come home, paper in hand, bringing home the written prescription. That's when I start making phone calls and if I'm lucky I can head to a pharmacy after only half an hour or so.

kareng Grand Master

Just got a call from the district manager of the area CVS pharmacies after I complained about being brushed off by two of their pharmacists. He was NOT happy with them--said the they ARE supposed to be looking up the info for me and not dispensing medications that would be harmful. They likened it to making sure that someone with an allergy to penicillin or to peanuts wasn't given a drug with those ingredients. He even gave me his name and number to call back if I have any further problems! So it's not CVS at all--just some of their pharmacists who aren't doing what they're supposed to! :o

When I complained to Walgrree's, they acted like that. All concerned and said I should be helped and to talk to the pharmacist. Well, it was the pharmacist that said they a rent allowed to have Internet access or make long distance phone calls. That is blocked. And more than one Walgreens told me that. When I told them I was talking to the pharmacist, I don't think I got another answer. So I hope CVS means it. :blink:

What I meant is that I leave the doctor's office and come home, paper in hand, bringing home the written prescription. That's when I start making phone calls and if I'm lucky I can head to a pharmacy after only half an hour or so.

Good. Someone mentioned returning the meds and that usually wouldn't work. I find out what the pharmacy is going to give me and the company and call. Not sure what we will do if it's a night or weekend thing. I think it will depend on how badly I need it. Since every med I've looked into is gluten-free, I might chance it for a pill or two if its important.

squirmingitch Veteran

Karen, Walgreen's is either stupid or lying to you. Think for a minute. Any pill manufacturer has an 800 # so Walgreen's wouldn't have to make a long distance call --- it's 800 #'s. Am I wrong?

psawyer Proficient

Since every med I've looked into is gluten-free, I might chance it for a pill or two if its important.

Gluten in meds, whether OTC or by script, is not common. Yes, it does occasionally happen. In North America when a stabilizer is needed is is almost invariably corn starch. Bad news for those with an intolerance to maize. But not an issue for those avoiding gluten.

VydorScope Proficient

Karen, Walgreen's is either stupid or lying to you. Think for a minute. Any pill manufacturer has an 800 # so Walgreen's wouldn't have to make a long distance call --- it's 800 #'s. Am I wrong?

I have had Walgreens and CVS both make calls for me in the past. That is why I think it is more of a specific location issue rather then a chain issue.

kareng Grand Master

Karen, Walgreen's is either stupid or lying to you. Think for a minute. Any pill manufacturer has an 800 # so Walgreen's wouldn't have to make a long distance call --- it's 800 #'s. Am I wrong?

I know one I had to check, the pharmacy didn't have a number for. I had to check around on the Internet to find a number. It was a small company that had been bought by a big company but the meds still listed the small company as the manufacturer. Besides, why would I trust people who say that the amount of gluten that could be in the pill is so small, it couldn't hurt me to take it twice a day for months?

benXX Rookie

I'd check the FDA database and click on the label information

Open Original Shared Link

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,547
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    gizmo1jazz2
    Newest Member
    gizmo1jazz2
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Your post demonstrates the profound frustration and isolation that so many in the Celiac community feel, and I want to thank you for channeling that experience into advocacy. The medical gaslighting you endured for decades is an unacceptable and, sadly, a common story, and the fact that you now have to "school" your own GI specialist speaks volumes about the critical lack of consistent and updated education. Your idea to make Celiac Disease a reportable condition to public health authorities is a compelling and strategic one. This single action would force the system to formally acknowledge the prevalence and seriousness of the disease, creating a concrete dataset that could drive better research funding, shape medical school curricula, and validate the patient experience in a way that individual stories alone often cannot. It is an uphill battle, but contacting representatives, as you have done with Adam Gray, is exactly how change begins. By framing it as a public health necessity—a matter of patient safety and protection from misdiagnosis and neglect—you are building a powerful case. Your voice and your perseverance, forged through thirty years of struggle, are exactly what this community needs to ensure that no one else has to fight so hard just to be believed and properly cared for.
    • Scott Adams
      I had no idea there is a "Louisville" in Colorado!😉 I thought it was a typo because I always think of the Kentucky city--but good luck!
    • Scott Adams
      Navigating medication safety with Celiac disease can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with asthma and severe allergies on top of it. While I don't have personal experience with the HealthA2Z brand of cetirizine, your caution is absolutely warranted. The inactive ingredients in pills, known as excipients, are often where gluten can be hidden, and since the FDA does not require gluten-free labeling for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, the manufacturer's word is essential. The fact that you cannot get a clear answer from Allegiant Health is a significant red flag; a company that is confident its product is gluten-free will typically have a customer service protocol to answer that exact question. In situations like this, the safest course of action is to consider this product "guilty until proven innocent" and avoid it. A better alternative would be to ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you identify a major national brand of cetirizine (like Zyrtec) whose manufacturer has a verified, publicly stated gluten-free policy for that specific medication. It's not worth the risk to your health when reliable, verifiable options are almost certainly available to you. You can search this site for USA prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      What you're describing is indeed familiar to many in the Celiac community, especially in the early stages of healing. When the intestinal villi are damaged from Celiac disease, they struggle to properly digest and absorb fats, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption. This can cause exactly the kind of cramping and spasms you're seeing, as undigested fats can irritate the sensitive gut lining. It is highly plausible that her reactions to dairy and eggs are linked to their higher fat content rather than the proteins, especially since she tolerates lean chicken breast. The great news is that for many, this does improve with time. As her gut continues to heal on a strict gluten-free diet, her ability to produce the necessary enzymes and bile to break down fats should gradually return, allowing her to slowly tolerate a wider variety of foods. It's a slow process of healing, but your careful approach of focusing on low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like seeds and avocado is providing her system the best possible environment to recover. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: Thank you for sharing your story—it's a valuable insight for other parents navigating similar challenges.
    • Beverage
      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
×
×
  • 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.