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

Cipro Beware

Joni63

Recommended Posts

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted

Hey all,

I just found out the hard way that Cipro made by Bayer Schering Plow is not gluten free. Also the one made by Cobalt is NOT gluten-free either. Bayer confirmed via phone call and Cobalt via phone call and email.

Please beware if you are prescribed these meds.

Is there a medication list published some place? I have an ear infection and will need something safe.

Thanks!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

www.glutenfreedrugs.com

You may want to contact the owner of that site, and provide him with info on your phone call/email, since they have Cipro listed as gluten free.

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

Thank you for the Heads Up!

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted
  • Author
www.glutenfreedrugs.com

You may want to contact the owner of that site, and provide him with info on your phone call/email, since they have Cipro listed as gluten free.

Thank you happygirl. I will let that administrator of that site know!

Thank you for the Heads Up!

Your welcome blueeyedmanda!

Takala Enthusiast
Takala
Posted

:angry::blink::angry:

Another step backwards for mankind, to put an allergen in an antibiotic that is the only effective treatment and other wise could be tolerated for many individuals.

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted
  • Author

I totally agree with you!

This is the antibiotic that got me through pneumonia 2 years ago. Nothing else worked for me.

It also caused my first real meltdown since my diagnosis. I have not cried that hard in a looooong time. Now I'm wondering what the heck I can take to get rid of my ear infection.

The doctors response - just stop taking it and call back in a couple days if you don't feel better.

I'm wondering if a compounding pharmacy can make it without the wheat starch? I have one locally that is really good. I'm going to check with them tomorrow.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
II'm wondering if a compounding pharmacy can make it without the wheat starch? I have one locally that is really good. I'm going to check with them tomorrow.

I'll bet they can. Hope you feel better soon :)

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted
  • Author

Thank you Patti! :)

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted
:angry::blink::angry:

Another step backwards for mankind, to put an allergen in an antibiotic that is the only effective treatment and other wise could be tolerated for many individuals.

Yep, cause I have a deathly allergic reaction to pennicilin.....so there are quite a few meds I cannot have.

Morrisun Newbie
Morrisun
Posted

You know it still really boggles my mind that they put WHEAT in medications. It seems to me there are so many other less allergenic fillers that could be used. :angry:

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted
You know it still really boggles my mind that they put WHEAT in medications. It seems to me there are so many other less allergenic fillers that could be used. :angry:

it makes you wonder what the purpose it has being in the meds?? Mind Boggling!

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted
  • Author

Apparently they used to make it with corn starch.

I called the pharmacist today and she said she would have to look into ordering the Cipro ingredients and then compounding it. She also said Levequin (sp?) or Avalox might be worth checking into to see if they are gluten free.

She also said they used to make a liquid suspension Cipro that they discontinued. The taste was so horrible and nothing could mask the bitterness of it. Sounds terrible, not an option I want to persue.

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted
She also said they used to make a liquid suspension Cipro that they discontinued. The taste was so horrible and nothing could mask the bitterness of it. Sounds terrible, not an option I want to persue.

I dont blame you there.

dlp252 Apprentice
dlp252
Posted

Aw Joni, this sucks!!! I sure hope the compounding pharmacy can get all the ingredients they need to make it for you!

num1habsfan Rising Star
num1habsfan
Posted

I wonder if this is the case for in Canada too. I've always had problems with Cipro but i have a million allergies it seems so I never knew if gluten was the problem. I can't remember which ones aren't gluten-free here that they tell me I have no alternative. Wheat is cheap, must be their reason for using it all the damn time. <_<

~ Lisa ~

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted
  • Author
I dont blame you there.

Can you imagine what that stuff must taste like? No way!!! :P

Aw Joni, this sucks!!! I sure hope the compounding pharmacy can get all the ingredients they need to make it for you!

They could get it, but it would take at least a week. So I decided to call Shoprites Pharmacy. The pharmacist was so nice and offered to call the Cipro manufacturer they used. She told me is was made by Dr. Reddings Laboratories. Sounded a little scary so I looked it up online, found a number and called them. They told me their Cipro is gluten free. When I called the pharmacist back she told me the exact same thing. All I need to do is get my Doctor to call in the script to her. This has been a very interesting experience. It's so hard to believe that 3 different pharmacies within 1/2 mile of each other use so many different companies for their medicines. I guess it pays to be persistent!!!

I wonder if this is the case for in Canada too. I've always had problems with Cipro but i have a million allergies it seems so I never knew if gluten was the problem. I can't remember which ones aren't gluten-free here that they tell me I have no alternative. Wheat is cheap, must be their reason for using it all the damn time. <_<

~ Lisa ~

I don't know, but it would be worth checking into. Seems the pharmacists don't really have all the information they need about this at thier fingertips. Calling the drug manufacturer is the only way to find out for sure. Maybe you could also try a few different pharmacies. It amazes me how many pharmaceutical companies there are and how their fomulas can vary.

I'm sure they use wheat because it is cheap. Profit is always the bottom line.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Joni--

So glad you ended up finding a Cipro that was safe.....I'll never understand the thinking behind adding a top allergen to a medication :blink: Boggles the mind.

num1habsfan Rising Star
num1habsfan
Posted
I don't know, but it would be worth checking into. Seems the pharmacists don't really have all the information they need about this at thier fingertips. Calling the drug manufacturer is the only way to find out for sure. Maybe you could also try a few different pharmacies. It amazes me how many pharmaceutical companies there are and how their fomulas can vary.

I'm sure they use wheat because it is cheap. Profit is always the bottom line.

I wish there was pharmacy choices. I still get all my meds in my hometown, and there is 2 pharmacies, both run by the same person, so not really any other options :angry: . Small towns sure have their disadvantages!!

~ Lisa ~

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted
  • Author
Joni--

So glad you ended up finding a Cipro that was safe.....I'll never understand the thinking behind adding a top allergen to a medication :blink: Boggles the mind.

I'm glad too. It was a relief to find it.

I think it's terrible that they add a top allergen, but it's horrible that the pharmacists can't even tell you if the medicine is safe. Manufacturers of food or medicine should not be allowed to swap ingredients that contain allergens. It should not be a guessing game for us. I can see them changing other ingredients, but not the obvious ones that will put peoples health at risk.

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted
  • Author
I wish there was pharmacy choices. I still get all my meds in my hometown, and there is 2 pharmacies, both run by the same person, so not really any other options :angry: . Small towns sure have their disadvantages!!

~ Lisa ~

Even though you only have 2 pharmacies in your home town, can't you choose to check with and use other pharmacies if they give you better options?

dlp252 Apprentice
dlp252
Posted
I think it's terrible that they add a top allergen, but it's horrible that the pharmacists can't even tell you if the medicine is safe. Manufacturers of food or medicine should not be allowed to swap ingredients that contain allergens. It should not be a guessing game for us. I can see them changing other ingredients, but not the obvious ones that will put peoples health at risk.

I'm glad you were able to find one that was safe. I agree with this statement...it just shouldn't be this hard!

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted
I'm glad you were able to find one that was safe. I agree with this statement...it just shouldn't be this hard!

my thoughts as well.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

I know--it's like we're just left to our own devices....I've yet to have a doctor or a pharmacist who knows or is even willing to check into medications for me. :angry:

dlp252 Apprentice
dlp252
Posted

I can sort of understand the doctors not knowing a lot about medications, especially if it's not one they work with frequently, but a pharmacist really should know, or be able to find out quickly what they are dispensing. It just really sucks that we have to know more about stuff than the professionals we are going to for help.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Of couse it would be unrealistic to expect a doctor to know every ingredient of every drug--but I guess it's the dismissive attitude I get from mine when I mention I'd prefer the name brand since it makes it easier for me to check whether or not it contains gluten.

I just get a "whatever--not my problem" kind of vibe, which I'm sure not all of them have. Hard to explain--on the one hand, it's a doctor who knows I have this disease--but as far as meds are concerned, I don't get the feeling it's all that important to them. I think I want it to be at least considered; acknowledged--like we're on the same page.

Ok--I'm rambling now :ph34r:

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Russ H
      - Russ H replied to AndiOgris's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      False blood test positive?

      Your initial test showed a moderately raised level of IgA tTG2. There are several causes of this apart from coeliac disease including: inflammation of the joints, bowel and liver. Transient rise in levels can be caused by an infection.
    2. trents
      - trents replied to sillyyak52's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      6

      Family education

      Rogol72, your recommendation to the OP to "show them pictures of dermatitis herpetiformis" confuses me as the OP does not mention having dermatitis herpetiformis.
    3. Rogol72
      - Rogol72 replied to sillyyak52's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      6

      Family education

      Hi @sillyyak52, I empathize with you. I would suggest showing them pictures of "dermatitis herpetiformis" which is a complication of undiagnosed/untreated Coeliac Disease. You can find them on Google images. It's pretty alarming to see and it may be the wake up call they need to visually understand what gluten can really do to the body. In this case...
    4. AndiOgris
      - AndiOgris replied to AndiOgris's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      False blood test positive?

      Hi Trents, Thanks for your response! And yes, the TTG-IGA was the only test done. We did some more general blood tests at the time of the initial celiac test in 2023, but none showed any deficiencies usually associated with celiac disease. I'll mention the new gluten challenge guidelines to my doctor, perhaps he will ask me to do the test again...
    5. captaincrab55
      - captaincrab55 replied to sillyyak52's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      6

      Family education

      Welcome sillyyak52, I'm not sure of your age or if you live with your parents. Is there a nurse in your family or friend of the family that may be able to explain your diagnoses? You can get a second opinion by taking your lab results to another GI Doctor. Good Luck!
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,180
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    RDW
    Newest Member
    RDW
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      70k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Russ H
      False blood test positive?

      By Russ H · Posted

      Your initial test showed a moderately raised level of IgA tTG2. There are several causes of this apart from coeliac disease including: inflammation of the joints, bowel and liver. Transient rise in levels can be caused by an infection.
    • trents
      Family education

      By trents · Posted

      Rogol72, your recommendation to the OP to "show them pictures of dermatitis herpetiformis" confuses me as the OP does not mention having dermatitis herpetiformis.
    • Rogol72
      Family education

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      Hi @sillyyak52, I empathize with you. I would suggest showing them pictures of "dermatitis herpetiformis" which is a complication of undiagnosed/untreated Coeliac Disease. You can find them on Google images. It's pretty alarming to see and it may be the wake up call they need to visually understand what gluten can really do to the body. In this case the skin ... The Coeliac rash that won't go away without a strict gluten free diet and Dapsone treatment (a toxic antibiotic). I'd also look at @glutenhatesmyguts on youtube  ... a funny educational take on Coeliac Disease ... the clips titled as follows may help ... "Celiac Disease Explained | Why Gluten REALLY Hates My Guts!" and "Story time: I almost ..." This person is on Tiktok also and has a category "Coeliac & gluten-free Info ". There's plenty of Coeliacs on Tiktok and IG posting frequently and advocating for themselves about the need to be strict and what happens when they get glutened.    Celiac Canada also has good resources on YT, both long and short educational clips  ... @CCACeliac . Do you know any Coeliacs in your area who could help you explain the need to be so strict? Some Coeliacs have mild symptoms while others have awful reactions to just a few crumbs. Or maybe the nurse could put you in contact with some other Coeliacs or a support group to help you with your family. Hope this helps you. And keep advocating for yourself no matter what.
    • AndiOgris
      False blood test positive?

      By AndiOgris · Posted

      Hi Trents, Thanks for your response! And yes, the TTG-IGA was the only test done. We did some more general blood tests at the time of the initial celiac test in 2023, but none showed any deficiencies usually associated with celiac disease.  I'll mention the new gluten challenge guidelines to my doctor, perhaps he will ask me to do the test again? And I'll see what he says more generally... Thanks again!
    • captaincrab55
      Family education

      By captaincrab55 · Posted

      Welcome sillyyak52,  I'm not sure of your age or if you live with your parents.  Is there a nurse in your family or friend of the family that may be able to explain your diagnoses?  You can get a second opinion by taking your lab results to another GI Doctor.   Good Luck!
×
×
  • Create New...