I need to know if sertraline is gluten free, since I have celiac disease, and am experiencing diaharra. I know it can be a side effect, but that was my main ailment along with excruciating leg cramps for 8 years, and do not want to continue taking this if it has gluten. The mfg is Greenstone
Sertraline - is sertralline gluten free?
Question posted by janmper on 4 Nov 2013
Last updated on 24 November 2021 by JohnT11
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5 Answers
JohnT11
25 Nov 2021
Because of the “fillers” that go into the medicine, there is no guarantee that it is gluten-free. Fillers are not made by the drug company. If the maker of the medication doesn't say it's gluten-free, it's probably not. I have a gluten allergy, so I've done a bit of research. Sometimes I get screwed over and it's brutal!!! I've found that the majority of makers of meds just don't care enough about gluten allergies, or don't take it to be serious. We can only wish that someone with Gluten Allergies or Celiac disease would be involved in the making of medications.
Sophiecat
30 Dec 2018
I went through this exact same thing. I have been paying out of pocket for Zoloft since sertraline is not gluten-free. Now my insurance won't pay at all they said it costs thousands. I guess I'll have to take the sertraline and hope I don't get glutened.
cutebluefrog
15 Dec 2014
I called Greenstone manufactures today (12/15/2014) and talked to Annetta and she said that one of the inactive ingredients could contain gluten. The ingredient in question is sodium starch glycolate. It isnt made by Pfizer. (Pfizer Inc. owns Greenstone LLC.)
I asked if I could have the name of the manufacture for the glycolate and she said that they have multiple suppliers and they dont know which one was used in my prescription.
She said they couldnt guarantee that Sertraline is gluten-free because of the questionable glycolate and because they dont have a dedicated gluten-free factory.
I asked Annetta for this in writing but she said that wasnt possible. She could only give me the information verbally.
You can go on Greenstone's website and look up Sertraline and download the USPI. On the first page of that document are the ingredients for this drug.
I personally looked into this because I took Sertraline for the first two weeks of November of 2014 and I developed a nonstop high pitched ringing in my ears and dry mouth. I stopped taking it after only two weeks and my side effects have yet to go away (it's now mid December). Both the tinitus and dry mouth are listed as possible side effects for this drug. On top of the side effects it may or may not contain gluten (I'm allergic to gluten).
What I've learned from this is to call manufactures before I start taking any prescriptions even though my allergies are known to my health care practitioner.
JM767
5 Feb 2014
Greenstone Sertraline is NOT gluten free! I called them last week. I've been looking all over for a GF version and have been unable to find one. I will post the manufacturer if I ever do...
chuck1957
6 Feb 2014
take daily. One is Sertraline manufactured by Greenstone. I... 04/20/2012
... I take daily. One is Sertraline manufactured by Greenstone. I found they are gluten free on the gluten free list. Also Clonazepam manufactured by ... on the list as gluten free. I also take Omepr... Read full post OK YOU THIS IS FROM A GLUTEN FREE LIST AND greenstone company is a very good generic company it is also owned by UPJOHN MANUFACTURE... EVEN when i was still working as a pharmacy tech... the generic company and getting info out of them is like pulling teeth because most of all are made in different countries trust me..I have heard a lot from these generic companys,,that turn out to be lies to get us off the phone please if still in dought i got this from two different sorces so i trust this and also the greenstone is better know as upjohn big company that makes brand xanax and many other drugs...
by the way diarrhea is a side effet of sertaline but it also is one that goes away with time call your doctor if it is to bad and they can give you something for that... chuck1957 pharmacy technician medically retired Cpht.
chuck1957
6 Feb 2014
take daily. One is Sertraline manufactured by Greenstone. I... 04/20/2012
... I take daily. One is Sertraline manufactured by Greenstone. I found they are gluten free on the gluten free list. Also Clonazepam manufactured by ... on the list as gluten free. I also take Omepr... Read full post I just called my friend a natural Pharmicist and he told me also the all he knows is greenstone is the only gluten free generic zoloft most these generic companys are overseas and we get so much wrong info from them..by the way this is a great generic company ownd by upjohn a big brand name company this could just be the side effect of the drug but most ofter it goes away they may need to give you something for diarrhea check with your doctor chuck1957 medically retired pharmacy techniecian Cpht.
JM767
6 Feb 2014
I spoke to a rep at the company last week (end of January 2014) and she stated that the Greenstone brand does contain gluten derivative ingredients. Unless she was mistaken, this is the latest information about it. I called because I have a severe gluten allergy and after taking sertraline from Aurobindo for a few weeks I began reacting - hair loss, hand rashes, digestive issues - the exact symptoms in the exact same expression that occur when I contact gluten. I began calling various generic manufacturers in search of one that could confirm that they do not use gluten ingredients in this medication. I was successful for another one I was looking for a substitute for but Greenstone (owned by Phizer) stated that in their inactive ingredients list for Sertraline there was a filler containing gluten (I would have to find my notes to post exactly what it was).
I was disappointed as Greenstone was listed as safe on the celiac medications web site but manufacturers frequently change their inactive ingredients based on what is most readily available and cost-effective for them. Therefore, despite finding medications that are confirmed to not contain gluten, you need to frequently call back to have them re-check the information they keep on their latest production. I just want people to be aware so they can try to avoid the fiasco I've been going through the last couple months.
JayhawkJourney
6 Feb 2014
You might check the liquid form of sertraline if this drug really helps you. It may cost more, but might be worth it. I take the liquid form.
kaismama
4 Nov 2013
There is a web side glutenfreedrugs.com, that you might find interesting.
JM767
5 Feb 2014
I've looked there and it wasnt helpful for this topic in particular.
chuck1957
6 Feb 2014
ok you have greenstone gluten free... and i just found this but it is going to be more expensive.Confirmed Gluten-Free Drugs and Medications - Celiac-Disease.com
celiac-disease.com/medications/
by Kyle Eslick - in 75 Google+ circles
Welcome to Gluten-Free Medications, your home for the latest confirmed gluten-free drugs and other medications. ... Clarinex D; Clarinex Reditabs-company does not know source of starch; Claritin; Claritin D ... Zithromax (caps & suspension); Zocor; Zofran (all forms); Zoladex; Zoloft; Zometa; Zomig ... They make all …as you see the brand name ZOLFT above is listed that is the brand name so insurance might not pay... but you have greenstone and brand name that i have verified for you ..chuck1957 medicall retired pharmacy technician cpht.
Related topics
obsessive compulsive disorder, sertraline, side effect, anxiety and stress, cramp, gluten free, disease, leg cramp, gluten
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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