FDA Gives Guidelines for Medications Containing Gluten

It's important for there to be accurate labels on a number of products sold in the market. But, for a long time, medications that contain gluten did not have the correct label. Recently, the FDA offered guidelines for pharmaceutical companies to follow when medications contain gluten, which is a step in the right direction to improve safety measure for those diagnosed with celiac disease. 

For a long time, correct labeling has been required for food and drinks in order to let others know of any contents that could potentially harm them. This is especially common among processed foods that may be including chemical additives in their food to enhance its flavor.

There is an important number of allergens that may be dangerous for some to consume and this is especially important for those who suffer from celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that has a severe response to gluten if it's ingested. Gluten-free food is a very delicate topic for those with celiac disease. However, in most cases, food may be the only aspect that is taken into account when adjusting to a gluten-free lifestyle.

Cosmetics, such as makeup, hand lotion, and lipstick, that is very close to the internal part of the mouth, may contain gluten and if ingested by accident, can trigger negative symptoms. Medications may also contain gluten, so its important to keep in mind how harmful these medications can be if they're ingested by patients.

The aforementioned reason has turned gluten in medications a hot topic among people in the celiac disease communities. In order to shed light on this issue, the US Food and Drug Administration (commonly known as FDA) has issued a draft guidance that clarifies how manufacturers should address gluten-containing ingredients to properly warn patients about the possible damage these products can have.

These guidelines are being published exactly 3 years after the US Food and Drug Administration issued the guidelines used for labeling foods with gluten. And since then, the celiac community debates about what other measures should be taken into account to ensure the safety of celiac patients.

Advantages of guidelines established by the FDA

These guidelines published by the FDA have been well-received by the celiac community since they encourage drug makers to include a statement that acknowledges the drug does not contain any ingredient made from gluten or any grain that may contain gluten particles such as rye, wheat or barley. Furthermore, the statement must be truthful and explained in the description section that has all the information about the prescription.

Although labeling is voluntary, this is still considered a step in the right direction for what the FDA should demand in the future. It's an important improvement in successfully addressing the issue of the amount of gluten that some of these medication may have.