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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: undeniable on April 17, 2012, 10:49:10 am

Title: hiv meds gluten free?
Post by: undeniable on April 17, 2012, 10:49:10 am

Does anyone know what meds are gluten free?  particularly ziagen?  I've just started back on treatment and everything is just in flux right now.  I have a CD4 of 9. 

I've been positive since 1995.  Anywho.. right now I'm trying to find out which of the meds has gluten bc I'm definitely reacting.. I have celiac by the way.

I'm also taking viread, epivir, and I think one other thing.. cant remember and dont have it with me..

Title: Re: hiv meds gluten free?
Post by: newt on April 17, 2012, 12:22:43 pm

The ingredients are listed in the package insert, this is in the box and usually on the product website.

Many medicines use a very small amount of sodium starch glycolate (SSG) as a coating, which may be derived from a glutenate source, so you need to check/get your pharmacist to check if the SSG is from a gluten-free source or not. This applies, at least, here, to Ziagen and Epivir.

- matt

Title: Re: hiv meds gluten free?
Post by: undeniable on April 17, 2012, 01:39:40 pm

Thanks Matt.. I just know that I'm having a lot of reaction to the ziagen including itching where I itch with gluten.  I know it's not my diet as I no longer eat anything that is not hand prepared by me or my husband. 

I'll see what I can find on the coating of those two.    :)