Disover The Hidden Risk In Prescription Medications For The Gluten Sensitive

Did you know there could be un-disclosed ingredients in prescription medications which can adversely affect patients with Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivities? Gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye can often be used as an excipient ingredient which does not require such listing, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation and more to the unsuspecting consumer.
Gluten sensitivity is a major problem in people with celiac disease, and the main treatment for people with Celiac Disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. The Food Allergen Labeling Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires packaged food labels, vitamins and nutrients to identify all ingredients containing wheat and other common allergens. This was a major land mark for people with Celiac disease, although the problem still exists that no such laws have been enacted to alert pharmacists or patients when gluten is might be present in their medication.
Celiac Disease is triggered by consumption of the protein called gluten which is found in wheat, barley and rye. Common symptoms someone with Celiac or another form of gluten intolerance will notice are; bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, rashes, headaches, joint pain, depression, osteoporosis and more.
So the question you might be asking is, “what would a wheat protein be doing in medications?”
Medications consist of active ingredients, the actual component which is targeted at their symptoms, and what are known as inactive ingredients or excipients which are often binders to hold the medication together or fillers to basically take up space in a capsule. Where there are a few active ingredients which might contain gluten, it is within these “in-active” excipients where gluten is often found.
So, how does a patient or a pharmacist know if a medication has gluten in it or not?
Most pharmacists are not trained in these issues, so it is a good idea to ask first about their experience or knowledge on the matter.
To be 100% sure, it is best contact the manufacturer to see if the product is assayed for gluten and if they can verify that it is then gluten free. One would also want to verify that there is absolutely no potential for cross contamination from other drugs in the manufacturing process.
If a drug company is not able to answer this conclusively, than it might be prudent to look for other alternatives.

Alternatives include medications which are guaranteed to be free of gluten and if such medications are not available, it could be of great benefit to contact a compounding pharmacy. This is a pharmacy which specializes in the customization of medications, and can create a prescription under the order of a physician which is free of such impurities and allergenic ingredients.
Navigating through this gluten filled world can often be a challenge to the Celiac patient, although arming yourself with knowledge as well as the support from qualified health care participants can make it much easier.