We already know food allergies are everywhere. Yes, I know, we already check food labels, and packaging, talk to the chef at restaurants, and be the food police at school parties. So, check your medications and over the counter supplements, too. This is a big deal, too. As parents, we have to be a jack of all trades. As food allergy parents, we have to be the jack of all trades x 1,000! And yes, pharmacy tech is included in our many hats.
But the pharmacist is trained to check for allergens before we even get the pills, right? Right. BUT -remember, we are all human, and we make mistakes –even the best of us. And, yes, even if the pharmacist told you he checked the ingredients, ask for an insert, keep it on hand, and check yourself. Two heads are better than one, and 4 eyes are better than 2. Just sayin…
For example, just the other day my husband, son, and I were racking our brains trying to figure out why my kid was getting so sick (more than normal) the last couple of weeks. Turns out, 2 of the medications he had been taking, contained two different food allergies!!! One from the pharmacy had a cherry ingredient for flavor- which is a NO NO in this house. Yes they have his allergies on file, No I did not ask for a packet insert because I honestly did not think of it. Shit happens. Lesson learned- ALWAYS ask for a packet insert. Every little detail you can imagine is on that form, including the inactive ingredients list.
As if one hidden food allergen wasn’t bad enough, another supplement my son takes on a daily basis was also trying to kill him… Ok, maybe not kill him- but definitely make him sick. A couple of weeks ago I purchased a reputable brand of Vitamin D. The brand is normally top 8 free. Because we have used this brand so many times without a problem, I glanced down at the bottle and seen the normal, “Free from Wheat, soy, tree nuts…” bla bla bla at the bottom of the label. BIG MISTAKE. I actually didn’t READ the label. It contains Fish! What the Hell?! Hence- My son paid the price for my error, by vomiting and feeling like shit, every day for the last 2 weeks. Talk about feeling like a horrible parent!!!
So today’s take home tidbit is – Don’t be like me… Wait- not that’s not it…. Check your medication ingredients!! Even if you have used that brand a bazillion times. Ingredients can be shady! Now, I am going to go hug my kid, remind myself I am only human, and attempt forgiveness.
Rarely Normal 