Gluten in medicine is not something most people think about unless they have celiac disease or follow a medically required gluten-free diet. For those who must avoid gluten, hidden sources can appear in many places — including pharmaceuticals. When a doctor prescribes medication, the last thing a patient wants is for that medicine to cause harm or trigger symptoms because it contains gluten.
The current situation
Some medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, may contain gluten. In the United States there is currently no law that requires manufacturers to label gluten in medications. That makes it difficult for people with celiac disease or others on prescribed gluten-free diets to determine whether a specific medicine is safe.
Patients often must contact the manufacturer, consult their pharmacist, and review lengthy ingredient lists to try to identify potential gluten sources. Many healthcare professionals are not always aware which medications contain gluten, and information can be inconsistent or out of date. There was once a site called GlutenFreeDrugs.com that listed gluten-free medications; however, its updates and current accuracy are unclear.
Why would there be gluten in medication?
Gluten can appear in medicines in several ways. Excipients — the inactive ingredients that bind tablets or form capsules — can be derived from wheat, barley, or rye. These binders, fillers, or other inactive ingredients may therefore introduce gluten into a product.
- Although relatively few medications actually contain gluten, it’s important to review every medication’s ingredient list to identify excipient sources and confirm the product is gluten-free.
- Generic versions of a drug may use different excipients than the brand-name version. A brand-name product that is gluten-free does not guarantee that every generic formulation is also gluten-free; each manufacturer and formulation must be verified.
Trusted organizations such as Beyond Celiac and the Celiac Disease Foundation provide more information and guidance about gluten in medicine, vitamins, and supplements.
Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act of 2019
In April 2019, Representatives Tim Ryan and Tom Cole introduced the Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act of 2019. If enacted, this bill would require gluten to be labeled in all medications, making it far easier for patients and clinicians to identify safe options.
Organizations such as Gluten-Free Watchdog have shared the bill text, lists of co-sponsors, and resources to help advocates contact their representatives. Increasing bipartisan support and co-sponsors improves the bill’s chances of advancing through the House and potentially reaching the Senate.
Gluten-Free Watchdog provides useful tools for advocacy, including the bill text, lists of co-sponsors, and suggested ways to contact elected officials. Many Congressional offices also offer web forms where constituents can send messages directly regarding specific legislation.
If you support mandatory gluten labeling in medications, contact your member of Congress to ask them to support and co-sponsor the Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act of 2019. Below is a short sample you can adapt when emailing your representative:
Dear Representative ________,
I am writing to ask you to support and become a co-sponsor of the Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act of 2019. As a ________ of a person with celiac disease (a hereditary autoimmune condition in which the body cannot tolerate gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — and the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet), it is very important to me that this bill be passed. My ________ was diagnosed with celiac disease in ________ and when he/she needs medication it is often difficult and time-consuming to determine whether a particular product is gluten-free. Passing this Act is critical to the health and wellbeing of my ________ and others who must follow a medically prescribed gluten-free diet.
Thank you for your support,
Sincerely,
Clear labeling of gluten in medications would significantly protect people who must avoid gluten for health reasons. If this issue matters to you, please spread the word and contact your congressional representative to urge support for the Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act of 2019.