When an Inactive Ingredient Is the Problem

Dyes, lactose, gluten-containing starches and other inactive ingredients can matter for some patients. Compounding can sometimes leave them out.

3 minute readFor patients, prescribers

Every tablet and capsule contains inactive ingredients, called excipients, that help it hold together, dissolve or look a certain way. Most people tolerate them without any problem. A small number of patients have a documented allergy or intolerance to one.

How compounding can help

When a prescriber documents the sensitivity and no suitable approved product exists, a pharmacist may be able to prepare the medication without the problem ingredient.

What to bring to your prescriber

The specific ingredient you react to, if known.
The products that caused a reaction.
What the reaction was.

Please share these details with your prescriber or with a pharmacist by phone, not through a website form.

This article is educational and is not medical or veterinary advice. Talk with your prescriber, veterinarian or pharmacist about your own situation.

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