I received an email from the Celiac Disease Foundation regarding the “Gluten in Medication Disclosure Act of 2015” and instantly knew I had to share the information with you!
Often times when people think of Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance they only think about it in regards to food, but it affects us so much more beyond just the food we eat. I’ve said this before, but Celiac Disease has changed my life in so many ways; everything from where and what I eat, to the lipstick I wear and even the medicine/vitamins I can take.
FDA food labeling requirements are finally secured, but there is nothing currently required to clearly label gluten in prescription and non-prescription drugs. People with Celiac Disease/gluten intolerance have the right and deserve to know that our medication is going to make us better, not worse due to gluten in it.
I personally can think of multiple instances where I took medication and got sick from it due to gluten. I also can remember being at the pharmacy once, sick with a fever and feeling horrible. When I asked the pharmacist if the prescription medication was gluten free, he looked at me like I was crazy and gave me a little pamphlet to call the manufacturer. I was feeling terrible, couldn’t find any information online regarding the medication and the manufacturer was closed for the day due to being in a different time zone. The last thing I wanted to do was chase down information to see if medication that was supposed to make me better, would actually make me worse.
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, “Representatives Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Nita Lowey (NY-17) introduced the H.R.3648: Gluten in Medication Disclosure Act of 2015, first in 2012, which makes it easier to identify gluten in pharmaceutical products. This legislation requires that drug labels contain a statement identifying the source of any ingredient constituting or derived from a grain or starch-containing ingredient.”
I urge you, please take a moment and click the link below to contact your local Member of House and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 3648: Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act of 2015.
Please share this post in order to spread the word and get this passed!
Do we know if this got passed?
Funny you ask… I literally just got an email today from my state Senator saying that this bill is currently awaiting consideration by the House of Representatives. I will for sure keep you posted if I hear anything!