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With the recent discussions about how diligent to be in handling the gluten
status of medications, I have a slightly different perspective. Most of my life
I avoided medications unless truly essential because I am highly sensitive to
just about everything. However, I now have Chronic Lyme Disease and other
tick-borne diseases and must be on long-term, high-dose antibiotics.

I have decided to use only brand-name antibiotics rather than generics
because it's easier for me to check the gluten status with major pharmaceutical
companies. I have my physicians write on every prescription the brand name of the
Rx, then "Dispense as written. Do not substitute." I have to pay more for
brand name meds than generic, but it's a small amount compared to the huge
out-of-pocket medical bills I pay for Lyme treatment.

With every new antibiotic or antiparasitic drug, I call the manufacturer and
speak with one of their pharmacists. Often they give the CYA about not being
able to vouch for their vendors, but at least I get an indication that it's
gluten-free to the best of their knowledge. I also check every medication in the
Physicians Desk Reference to see what the fillers and binders are for myself.
I also check the websites and books on the gluten status of medications.

With generic drugs, it was very hard to find the name of the manufacturer.
Even when my pharmacist could give me a phone number, these were companies that
were harder to deal with (in my experience).

I can't say this is a foolproof method, but I will say that when I took
generic Doxycycline I was deathly ill for 10 days but breezed through seven months
of the brand-name version. And yes, of course, I take probiotics and
everything possible to support my body.

Maybe I'm paying more for brand meds for no reason, but it gives me peace of
mind that I've investigated the gluten status as thoroughly as possible.

Also, I agree with recent posts that it would be wonderfully helpful to start
a running list of antibiotics or other medications that have been shown to
have gluten!!

Jill E.
San Diego

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