<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Gluten-Free Pharmaceutical Guide -------------------------------- The following comes from the Lone Star chapter of CSA/USA. ................................................................ : : : GLUTEN-FREE PHARMACEUTICAL GUIDE : : : : I have Celiac Disease. I am intolerant to gluten, a mixture : : of grain proteins. Ingestion of gluten by celiac patients : : damages the mucosal lining of the intestinal tract. : : Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nutrient : : malabsorption, and increased risk for long term : : complications, including lymphomas. : : : : Any drug products I use MUST be gluten-free, as I may react : : to even the smallest amount of gluten. Gluten-containing : : products are not easily identified. I will need your : : : : assistance in identifying medications which are gluten free. : : : : Potential sources of gluten in medications, particularly : : drug excipients and binders, include: : : : : starch (corn, potato, or tapioca starch are allowed, : : wheat, oat, or barley starch is not) : : gluten peptides; grain vinegars; : : alcohol/ethanols/extracts; : : natural or artificial flavors; : : malt; maltodextrins; dextrins; : : natural or artificial flavors; : : hydrolyzed plant or vegetable proteins; : : monosodium glutamate; : : emulsifiers; stabilizers; : : lectins/lecithins; : : preservatives; and sweeteners : : : : It is necessary to contact the drug manufacturer to verify : : that a product is gluten-free. Excipient use may vary by : : lot number. Manufacturer's medical information personnel : : will be able to assist in determining if a product is : : gluten-free. Many drug companies have toll-free numbers. : : First try to obtain a toll-free listing by dialing : : 1-800-555-1212. : : : : I appreciate your kind attention to my health requirement. : : : : This card was produced by the : : Lone Star chapter of CSA/USA. : :..............................................................: