SIMPONI ARIA WITH CELIAC DISEASE

[KsBlonde]

Hello. I am 53 and was diagnosed with Celiac Disease by biopsy a little over a year ago and have been on gluten free diet ever since. But, since then, I have been diagnosed with 5 other autoimmune diseases plus stage 3 Osteoporosis and am now disabled. One of my autoimmune diseases is Ankylosing spondylitis which is treated with biologics. I have been scared to try it, but finally am in enough pain, I have no other choice but to try it. My Rheumatologist is getting me approved for Simponi Aria infusions. My question is, first of all, is Simponi Aria gluten free and, secondly, is it safe for Severe Celiacs? I have researched everywhere with no luck. Thirdly, she wants me to start prolia infusions in a few months for my Osteoporosis. Does anyone have any experience with this or have any information on the safety of Simponi Aria and Prolia for Celiacs. From my past experience, I have to educate my specialists and especially primary care doctor, my dentist, and my pharmacy on their gluten containing products and medicines. Any information about biologics, especially Simponi Aria and Prolia would be so very helpful. Thanks so much.

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, @KsBlonde! To find out if these drugs contain gluten, you might want to find out who manufactures them and contact that company to ask the question. A pharmacist can usually help you with manufacturer info. As long as the med or its container does not intentionally contain gluten I would not worry about things like cross contamination. This tool might help: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/

Just intuitively, it seems possible that the Simponi Aria infusions might be of benefit to your celiac disease since this drug suppresses inflammation. As far as the Prolia goes, as long as the med itself is gluten free I don't see any reason that it should exacerbate your celiac disease from my own quick research. I am not a doctor and these are just my unofficial thoughts.

Edited August 24 by trents

[plumbago]

Hi @KsBlonde,

Honestly, I've never even thought about gluten in IV medications (if your concern is indeed that). I seriously doubt is something to be concerned about. I am a nurse who regularly receives vaccines and occasionally IV anesthesia - ie, recently for an EGD/colo. I didn't even think to ask about it!

And not that you asked, but I'm not that concerned either about oral meds - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/medications-and-gluten

But, FWIW, the site below says Prolia has no gluten. Seems it's from New Zealand.

https://medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/p/prolia.pdf

[RMJ]

I’m sure I’ve heard that there is no gluten or wheat in injectables.  I just searched the FDA inactive ingredients database for gluten, wheat, barley, and rye. None are listed as being used in injectables. Wheat starch can be used in tablets.