10 | 26 | 2007 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Undeclared Gluten in Many Drugs Poses Dangers to Patients with Celiac Disease

Unlabeled gluten in prescription medications can pose critical health risks for patients with celiac disease, yet many patients and healthcare workers are unaware of the potential for harm.  The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) has partnered with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHSP) to raise awareness of the issue within the medical community.  According to the NFCA, an estimated 3 million Americans have celiac disease, but only 100,000 are correctly diagnosed.  Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease and the only treatment is a life-long, gluten-free diet -- one containing no wheat, barley, or rye.

NFCA has developed educational materials for healthcare providers to spread the word that many pharmaceutical products contain gluten -- an ingredient that could not only cause adverse health effects, but sometimes interferes with the effectiveness of prescription drugs, leaving dangerous medical conditions essentially untreated. 

Following are the most common symptoms of celiac disease:

  • "Bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Itchy skin rash
  • Tingling / numbness
  • Headache
  • Canker sores
  • Joint pain
  • Delayed growth
  • Poor weight gain
  • Osteoporosis
  • Infertility
  • Depression
  • Discolored teeth"

According to the NFCA problems can arise or be exacerbated for celiac patients for some of the following reasons:

  • "There are currently no requirements for labeling gluten or common allergens found in drug ingredients.
  • There are no specific precautions for individuals with celiac disease in labeling.
  • Potential sources of gluten in medication excipients are not well-recognized by health care professionals or patients.
  • Botanical sources of starch may not be specified.
  • Generic formulations may include different excipients than the brand-name drug."

If you think you may have celiac disease, or if you are concerned that your medications are not working properly, contact your physician immediately.