Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

PAXLOVID

kels35
 Share

Recommended Posts

kels35 Newbie
kels35
Posted

Does anyone know if the drug PAXLOVID is gluten free or where I could locate this information? I don't want to make my COVID symptoms worse with gluten intake! 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


RMJ Mentor
RMJ
Posted
2 hours ago, kels35 said:

Does anyone know if the drug PAXLOVID is gluten free or where I could locate this information? I don't want to make my COVID symptoms worse with gluten intake! 

Ingredients are listed at the bottom of page 1.

Paxlovid labeling

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

You can also search here to find ingredients used in medications:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/ 

  • 3 months later...
SillyMe83 Newbie
SillyMe83
Posted

I'd be really interested in discussing this further. I just tested positive for C-19 on Wed and started Paxlovid yesterday. Let me tell you, my stomach wanted NOTHING to do with that medication. I got 4 doses in and the last one came up with a vengeance! I have stopped taking it and maybe I'm just intolerant of those medications but I wonder if there's something hidden in it because I feel very much like I got glutened. 👎

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted

I'm a celiac, though not a really sensitive one. I got COVID back this summer and took the Paxlovid without any gut disapproval that I noticed. However, I was one of the 18% or so of people who got the COVID rebound after taking the antiviral drug.

RMJ Mentor
RMJ
Posted

These are some of the possible side effects of Paxlovid from the labeling information.

Other possible side effects include:

o altered sense of taste
o diarrhea
o high blood pressure
o muscle aches
o abdominal pain
o nausea
o feeling generally unwell

  • 2 months later...
LisaGayle Rookie
LisaGayle
Posted
On 11/12/2022 at 2:06 AM, SillyMe83 said:

I'd be really interested in discussing this further. I just tested positive for C-19 on Wed and started Paxlovid yesterday. Let me tell you, my stomach wanted NOTHING to do with that medication. I got 4 doses in and the last one came up with a vengeance! I have stopped taking it and maybe I'm just intolerant of those medications but I wonder if there's something hidden in it because I feel very much like I got glutened. 👎

You did. The manufacturer cannot guarantee that Paxlovid is gluten-free. I took one dose and had to stop.

It's past time for Congress to require manufacturers to create gluten-free pharmaceuticals. Or at least put allergen labels on them! I'm so tired of my doctors telling me to ask my pharmacists who tell me to call the manufacturer. When you're sick, you don't have the energy for that nonsense!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

So the manufacturer is only doing a CYA by not guaranteeing that Paxlovid isn't gluten-free, but it is:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7bdddfba-bd31-44cb-ba9e-23a4e17a4691

Quote

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Ingredient Name
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (UNII: OP1R32D61U)     
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE (UNII: EWQ57Q8I5X)     
CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUM (UNII: M28OL1HH48)     
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)     
SODIUM STEARYL FUMARATE (UNII: 7CV7WJK4UI)     
HYPROMELLOSE 2910 (10000 MPA.S) (UNII: 0HO1H52958)     
TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)     
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: 3WJQ0SDW1A)     
FERRIC OXIDE RED (UNII: 1K09F3G675)

It is highly unlikely that there would be any cross-contamination in an FDA inspected drug manufacturing facility.

I suspect your reaction was due to the many side-effects that the drug can have, or the "lactose" ingredient.

LisaGayle Rookie
LisaGayle
Posted
11 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

So the manufacturer is only doing a CYA by not guaranteeing that Paxlovid isn't gluten-free, but it is:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7bdddfba-bd31-44cb-ba9e-23a4e17a4691

It is highly unlikely that there would be any cross-contamination in an FDA inspected drug manufacturing facility.

I suspect your reaction was due to the many side-effects that the drug can have, or the "lactose" ingredient.

It's my understanding that Pfizer cannot guarantee that its suppliers provided gluten-free fillers.

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

This is the correct list of inactive ingredients, and none of them contain gluten. Where did you hear this info about Pfizer?

LisaGayle Rookie
LisaGayle
Posted
7 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

This is the correct list of inactive ingredients, and none of them contain gluten. Where did you hear this info about Pfizer?

It was here: https://www.glutenfreesociety.org/is-there-gluten-in-my-medication/

I should tell you I also had a reaction to Paxlovid that felt like gluten.

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Paxlovid would only be prescribed in high risk groups in those with covid, and if so, it would be best to take it, as the negative risks associated with a bad case would far outweigh that of a celiac reaction. 

Again, all medicines are made in FDA inspected and licensed facilities, so cross contamination is very unlikely. I don't trust info on that site, as Dr. Peter Osborne is a chiropractor and not an MD, and he also makes a lot of other wild claims about what celiacs should not eat, not to mention that his site is geared to sell you his products. 

LisaGayle Rookie
LisaGayle
Posted
14 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

Paxlovid would only be prescribed in high risk groups in those with covid, and if so, it would be best to take it, as the negative risks associated with a bad case would far outweigh that of a celiac reaction. 

Again, all medicines are made in FDA inspected and licensed facilities, so cross contamination is very unlikely. I don't trust info on that site, as Dr. Peter Osborne is a chiropractor and not an MD, and he also makes a lot of other wild claims about what celiacs should not eat, not to mention that his site is geared to sell you his products. 

Of course it would be "best to take it." Do you really think people who have a gluten reaction stop taking it because it's mildly annoying? Who are you, exactly? Because it certainly seems to me that you have no idea what a celiac reaction is like, or what FIVE DAYS of gluten supplementation will do to the gut and digestion of a person with celiac disease. If Pfizer itself is admitting that there may be supplier contamination, maybe they need to reexamine their suppliers.

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

I think my signature block says who I am, but so far you did not answer my question regarding your claim here:

Quote

It's my understanding that Pfizer cannot guarantee that its suppliers provided gluten-free fillers.

This is not the place to scare people from taking medications made by Pfizer or any other company, and if you make such a claim please provide a link to support it. I've provided a link in this thread to a USA Government web site that maintains a database of all drug ingredients per manufacturer, and no gluten is used to make Paxlovid:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/ 

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted
24 minutes ago, LisaGayle said:

Do you really think people who have a gluten reaction stop taking it because it's mildly annoying? 

Did you not read through this thread? That is exactly what @SillyMe83 reported:

 

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted
1 hour ago, LisaGayle said:

Of course it would be "best to take it." Do you really think people who have a gluten reaction stop taking it because it's mildly annoying? Who are you, exactly? Because it certainly seems to me that you have no idea what a celiac reaction is like, or what FIVE DAYS of gluten supplementation will do to the gut and digestion of a person with celiac disease. If Pfizer itself is admitting that there may be supplier contamination, maybe they need to reexamine their suppliers.

LisaGayle, I don't understand your vitriolic reaction. Scott was just providing information and an opinion. And regarding Dr. Peter Osborne, Scott is correct. Osborne is speaking to issues he is not qualified as a chiropractor to address with any authority. We have had forum members in the past who were promoting some questionable ideas based on Osborne's statements.

LisaGayle Rookie
LisaGayle
Posted

Hello, everyone. I called Pfizer this morning (2/13/23). While Paxovid does not have "gluten-containing ingredients," they cannot guarantee that there is no cross-contamination by their suppliers. I filed a Drug Safety Report, telling them when I took Paxlovid, for how long, and the severity of my reaction.

If you have experienced a gluten reaction, I encourage you to call Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985 and file a Drug Safety Report. The only way we will obtain drugs free of gluten, corn, soy and lactose is if we share our experience and ask them for allergen-free drugs.

Thank you! : )

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted
(edited)
19 minutes ago, LisaGayle said:

Hello, everyone. I called Pfizer this morning (2/13/23). While Paxovid does not have "gluten-containing ingredients," they cannot guarantee that there is no cross-contamination by their suppliers. I filed a Drug Safety Report, telling them when I took Paxlovid, for how long, and the severity of my reaction.

If you have experienced a gluten reaction, I encourage you to call Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985 and file a Drug Safety Report. The only way we will obtain drugs free of gluten, corn, soy and lactose is if we share our experience and ask them for allergen-free drugs.

Thank you! : )

As long as any of those allergens you list are not intentional ingredients I don't believe they would be required to list them as allergens under existing laws as long as they are not claiming to be "gluten free", "corn free", "soy free", "dairy free", ect. And I'm not sure the same allergen labeling regulations that exist for food apply to meds anyway. They have to use something as filler in pills and no matter what they use there will be someone out there that is allergic to it.

Edited by trents
LisaGayle Rookie
LisaGayle
Posted
20 minutes ago, trents said:

As long as any of those allergens you list are not intentional ingredients I don't believe they would be required to list them as allergens under existing laws as long as they are not claiming to be "gluten free", "corn free", "soy free", "dairy free", ect. And I'm not sure the same allergen labeling regulations that exist for food apply to meds anyway. They have to use something as filler in pills and no matter what they use there will be someone out there that is allergic to it.

Hm. Maybe it's time to change the law.

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted
15 minutes ago, LisaGayle said:

Hm. Maybe it's time to change the law.

Perhaps. But to test meds for incidental amounts of all those allergens would be expensive and drive the price of meds up.

LisaGayle Rookie
LisaGayle
Posted
10 minutes ago, trents said:

Perhaps. But to test meds for incidental amounts of all those allergens would be expensive and drive the price of meds up.

For those of us who can't take medicine because of cross-contamination, having allergen-free medicine would be a godsend.

It's interesting to me that you keep arguing against the necessity of allergen-free medicine. Makes me think you've never really had a gluten reaction. Or you're a pharma lobbyist.

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted
46 minutes ago, LisaGayle said:

For those of us who can't take medicine because of cross-contamination, having allergen-free medicine would be a godsend.

It's interesting to me that you keep arguing against the necessity of allergen-free medicine. Makes me think you've never really had a gluten reaction. Or you're a pharma lobbyist.

You would have done well to keep these thoughts to yourself as neither of them are true. You evidence a proclivity to lash out at others in this thread when they don't agree with you.

For your information, the FDA-established limit for legitimately advertising a food item is 20ppm. That is based on a total gluten intake of 10mg per day: https://www.glutenfreedietitian.com/how-much-gluten-is-20-parts-per-million/

Here is a visual picture of 10mg of gluten as you might find it in toast crumbs: https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/news/what-does-10-mg-of-gluten-look-like/

Does the standard need to be lowered? Perhaps. Apparently, it does not work for the more sensitive subset of the celiac community. But it works for the overwhelming majority. To tighten the standards excessively would likely drive up the costs of already very expensive gluten free foods to an unreasonable level just to accommodate the needs of a relatively small number of people in the celiac/gluten sensitive community and you would likely see the same effect with meds. Is that fair to the celiac community as a whole?

We do understand your frustration but it's important to grasp the big picture.

 

LisaGayle Rookie
LisaGayle
Posted
4 minutes ago, trents said:

You would have done well to keep these thoughts to yourself as neither of them are true. You evidence a proclivity to lash out at others in this thread when they don't agree with you.

For your information, the FDA-established limit for legitimately advertising a food item is 20ppm. That is based on a total gluten intake of 10mg per day: https://www.glutenfreedietitian.com/how-much-gluten-is-20-parts-per-million/

Here is a visual picture of 10mg of gluten as you might find it in toast crumbs: https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/news/what-does-10-mg-of-gluten-look-like/

Does the standard need to be lowered? Perhaps. Apparently, it does not work for the more sensitive subset of the celiac community. But it works for the overwhelming majority. To tighten the standards excessively would likely drive up the costs of already very expensive gluten free foods to an unreasonable level just to accommodate the needs of a relatively small number of people in the celiac/gluten sensitive community and you would likely see the same effect with meds. Is that fair to the celiac community as a whole?

We do understand your frustration but it's important to grasp the big picture.

 

So those of us with severe gluten sensitivity don't get meds. Got it. And yeah, I'm mad--and with good reason. You just handed the rest of us a death sentence.

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted

@LisaGayle,

Are you going to be our allergen- free medication lobbyist?  

I can't take sulfa drugs.  

Maybe you're reacting to the drug itself.

trents Grand Master
trents
Posted
(edited)
6 minutes ago, knitty kitty said:

Maybe you're reacting to the drug itself.

That's what I would look at. I have long suspected that many claims of having a "gluten  reaction" to things labeled "gluten free" are actually reactions to other ingredients and additives or to the main component itself.

Edited by trents

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      126,097
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    John.B
    Newest Member
    John.B
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.9k
    • Total Posts
      69.2k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Celiac Maybe a Possibility?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, and thank you for sharing your story! It sounds like you’ve been through an incredible journey with your health, and it’s no wonder you’re starting to piece things together and wonder about celiac disease. Your experiences—from childhood through adulthood—paint a picture of symptoms that are often associated with celiac disease, though they can overlap with other conditions as well. The recurring sinus infections, being underweight as a child, chronic gastrointestinal issues, nutrient-related symptoms like cramps, and the persistent fatigue and brain fog are all things that many people with undiagnosed celiac report. Your reactions to gluten also stand out. The improvement in symptoms when you reduce or remove gluten, followed by the resurgence of pain and other problems when you reintroduce it, is a common experience for those with celiac or gluten intolerance. While your frustrations and trials with elimination diets might not have given you concrete answers yet, they’ve provided valuable clues. It’s also worth noting that celiac disease doesn’t always present in the classic way. Many people, like yourself, may not experience severe gastrointestinal distress but instead have “atypical” or extraintestinal symptoms like joint pain, menstrual irregularities, fatigue, and more. It’s a condition that can go undiagnosed for years, especially when symptoms are subtle, sporadic, or mistakenly attributed to other issues. The fact that you’ve sought alternative approaches to feel better shows just how determined you’ve been to find relief, even without a definitive diagnosis. Given your history and how your body responds to gluten, it would be worth exploring celiac disease further with a medical professional. Before removing gluten completely, it’s important to get tested while you’re still eating it, as going gluten-free beforehand can affect the accuracy of the results. A blood test for celiac antibodies (like tTG-IgA) is usually the first step, and if positive, an endoscopy may follow to confirm the diagnosis. If the testing process feels daunting, keep in mind that getting answers could give you clarity and help guide your health decisions going forward. Whatever the outcome, you’ve already made significant strides in identifying triggers and managing your symptoms. Your awareness and persistence are key, and this community is here to support you as you continue to seek answers. This article might be helpful. It breaks down each type of blood test, and what a positive results means in terms of the probability that you might have celiac disease. One test that always needs to be done is the IgA Levels/Deficiency Test (often called "Total IGA") because some people are naturally IGA deficient, and if this is the case, then certain blood tests for celiac disease might be false-negative, and other types of tests need to be done to make an accurate diagnosis. The article includes the "Mayo Clinic Protocol," which is the best overall protocol for results to be ~98% accurate.    
    • More2Learn
      Celiac Maybe a Possibility?

      By More2Learn · Posted

      Hi, I am new!  (Although I've used this forum as a reference over the past couple of years.) I'm just looking for some initial reactions to if I actually might possibly have Celiac Disease, or if I'm reaching here.  I have had lifelong health issues and not once has a doctor suggested I look into celiac. I always thought it was basically an extreme allergy that needed an EpiPen, and I know that's not me.  However, I stumbled upon some symptoms, realized I was wrong, and after some research I'm almost shocked at what I have found.  It seems like anything I've ever struggled with has a potential correlation to this disease!  I'm in my 40's, now.  Here is my journey to date... Issues as a Kid: tons of allergies, and had sinus infections all the time... however I didn't have hayfever-like allergies and the scratch tests didn't register much, it was more that when I was exposed to allergens (like say I spent hours with a cat) I was certain to get a sinus infection and it lasted months. was extremely skinny and everyone always said I was anorexic (I wasn't) always getting sick and the illnesses hang on for a long time always cold (my favorite thing to do is sit in front of a space heater or be out in 90 degree weather) intermittent bad constipation (still happens but not as severe) horrible toe cramps that would wake me up in the middle of the night As I got older (teenage/college years): acid reflux diagnosis learned that beer made me EXTREMELY sick, cannot tolerate it horrible issues with menstrual cycle - I wasn't regular, had awful cramps and PMS, sometimes cannot function the first couple of days night terrors/sleep walking more stomach issues - I learned I couldn't have black coffee.  I often had issues especially when traveling.  For example I finally noticed a pattern that I could never, ever eat at a hotel buffet spread - it would always make me sick afterwards. More recent problems: always tired periodic pain on right side that can be so painful I can't stand up straight. Have had all kinds of scans and doctors always say I'm fine.  I was so sure I had gallstones or my liver was failing but... nope. chest pain brain fog not diagnosed but many, many ADHD symptoms lots of inflammation, am overweight now toe cramps evolved into leg/calf cramps None of my symptoms from any era of my life ever really resolved, except I went from being skinny to ~20/30 pounds overweight, and as I got older I got less outright sinus infections.  Largely due to the pain in my right side and the fact that I always, always seem to pick up every illness, especially when traveling, I started pursuing alternative medicine paths... I did the Pritikin lifestyle, I tried an elimination diet, I followed the Root Cause Protocol, I did a Leptin reset.  A lot of these paths recommend removing gluten, and in the past year or so some of my symptoms have gone away!  Specifically less issues with toe cramps, sometimes the side pain would go away for a long time, and my acid reflux got much better.  But, because I was never diagnosed with any specific intolerance, I wasn't militant about the gluten - I had cut out dairy, soy, all kinds of things.  So I would say cross-contamination is ok, or make an exception at a group outing. Then one day, I just got frustrated and ate some normal slices of pizza... and my side pain came back!  I started doing research and now I'm here and wondering... could I have actually had this my whole life??!? Thoughts and observations welcome.           
    • Wheatwacked
      Ground meat absolutely full of gluten?

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      "grass-fed" meat by definition cannot contain wheat as it means the animal is only fed grass  organic meat can be fed wheat feed
    • Scott Adams
      Weird Symptoms

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your symptoms would not be typical celiac disease symptoms, but still could be related due to possible nutrient deficiencies.  The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs.      
    • Scott Adams
      Everyday life

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This is a difficult situation, and one that your employer may not take seriously. It's possible that they don't have a way to accommodate your issues, but I don't know much about your work environment. Obviously moving you to another work area would be ideal, but would or could they do that? If not, you might be stuck having to wear a K95-type mask at work to avoid breathing any particles, but they still could end up on your skin. Another alternative is searching for a new job.
×
×
  • Create New...