FYI! Check your OTC meds for allergens

[HsvScrapGirl]

Thought that this might be useful to some of you. I just saw it posted on Facebook by Kids with Food Allergies that some OTC and some prescription drugs contain food allergens. The example they gave was the Target brand junior strength ibuprofen. The last ingredient was whey concentrate. I think to check everything (food, beauty products, etc) but I had never thought to check ibuprofen and other OTCs. Apparently there is no labeling laws for medicines like there is for foods where allergens have to be clearly labeled.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Thanks for the reminder. DH and I have had words over this one. I'm very much brand loyal with OTC meds because I've vetted specific name brands but generics can change manufacturers at any time but he keeps letting pharmacists convince him that he can save money with generics because as the pharmacists put it, "they're the same thing". Maybe the active ingredients are the same things but the inactive aren't necessarily.

We were definitely bit by this one early on. Most pill forms of antihistamines contain milk but I didn't realize it.

FYI: EVERY time we get new prescriptions, we get the pharmacy to verify allergens with the manufacturer. We don't have any regular prescriptions that are generics or else I'd get those checked each time since pharmacies do change providers of generics any time they can get a better deal elsewhere.

 

[Owl's Friend]

I've discovered that too. Our big problem is so many meds have beef in them. Both my kids are allergic to beef.

 

[tavettava]

Watch vitamins too and spices. Dd is allergic to gluten and they are in those too.

 

[disfan07]

Yup. A big one is tree nut oils. Almond oil and almond extract is in a lot of things. I did not really test positive but my allergist thinks i'm mildly allergic so I am supposed to avoid it.

Also, probably about 50% of the meds (pescription and OTC) have parabens and/or lanolin in them which I am severely allergic to. Worst thing is.....many antihistamines (like benedryl) contain parabens which means I'm allergic to it. And it's hidden in the food dye in some of them (parabens are in a lot of food dyes but obviously not listed on the pakages) We learned the hard way that I am allergic to regular and liquid benedryl....Had a reaction to egg and took a benedryl which just made the reaction even worse!

I can only use dye free benedryl....and it is impossible to find sometimes.