<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Prescription drugs can be problematic in the world of Celiac Sprue.
The main problem as I see it, is that nobody wants to take
responsibility. We are supposed to live in the "information age"- but
try getting a GF prescription & you will find the void.
Problems:
1. The FDA does not require that pharmaceutical compainies list the
"inert ingredients" or binders. They are NOT required to be included in
the National data base that has the active ingredient listing.
2. Drug manufacturers are not required to use the same binder for their
products. One time you may get corn starch, another oat starch- same
product, different binder. This goes for both prescription & over the
counter drugs.
3. The doc claims the pharmacy should know.
4. The pharmacy expects YOU to call & research.
5. One pharmacist was reported to be actually looking for the word
"gluten" in the ingredient list. You should specify "wheat, rye,barley &
oats".

Solutions:
1. Ask your Doctor to write "Must be Gluten Free" on the precsription.
2. If you are comfortable with this approach, tell the pharmacist since
he/she is the licensed professional, you prefer they obtain the
information.
3. If they really give you a hard time- ask aloud if proper dispensing
of medications in this case applies to the "Americans with Disabilities
Act.". In other words, they are discriminating against you by not
finding out if the product is safe for you. They won't give you codine
if you are allergic to codine. They should not give you gluten if you
have been medically advised not to consume it.
4. Others have said they don't want to even trust pharmacists to get it
right & prefer to ask the questions of the manufacturer themselves. I
feel like the licensed professionals should both do the research, and be
liable for giving wrong prescriptions. Why should you  pay for something
that will make you sick(er)?
I don't hold a restaurant chef to this same standard..... but
pharmacists are licensed professionals, who's responsibility it is to
deliver proper medications.

One sidenote...... I do try to deal with this at *not the peak times*
when the pharmacy is clearly swamped. But then again...... if you need a
prescription & it's a busy time..... such is life. Try to become pals
with the Pharmacist/staff and develop a relationship with them- have
them put" Celiac/ No Gluten" on your prescription files. If they get it
right or go the extra mile for you- remember to thank them for their
excellent service- or even write the supervisor to let them know what a
great job they did.
Consequently, if a pharmacist is NOT doing their job or giving you a
hard time, you might want to let their supervisor know as well. You may
be doing other folks a favor too.

Fran Oregon US of A     ;  >