Does Desvenlafaxine have gluten? (+3 dangers)

In this article, we will discuss whether Desvenlafaxine contains gluten in its formulation or not. We will also discuss gluten and its impact on health and how one can avoid gluten intake through medications.

Does Desvenlafaxine have gluten?

No, Desvenlafaxine does not has gluten. However, sometimes other ingredients added to the medication as excipients might have gluten.

Gluten acts as a binder and filler and gives medication the right size and shape and it may also be used as a coating agent (1).

The active ingredient of the drug itself does not contain gluten. It’s the pharmaceutical fillers that are used to manufacture the dosage form that can contain gluten in them. However, commonly prescribed brands of antidepressants, like Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro etc are gluten-free.

Desvenlafaxine is an active ingredient of Pristiq. It is an antidepressant, used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. It belongs to serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (2).

Gluten is a type of protein found in foods like wheat and bread. However, some people get sick when they eat gluten because they are sensitive to it, so they should avoid gluten intake (3).

What is the impact of gluten on gluten-sensitive individuals?

The impact of gluten on health can vary from person to person. Most people can consume gluten without any health issues. It’s a normal part of their diet and does not harm them.

However, in some individuals consumption of gluten triggers an autoimmune disease known as celiac disease. 

In this disease, the inner lining of the small intestine gets attacked by the immune system in response to gluten which comes as a threat. This can cause lots of health problems and nutrient absorption issues (4).

Few individuals might have digestive problems, headaches or tiredness when they eat gluten, even if they don’t have celiac disease. This condition is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (4).

Some individuals have wheat (which contains gluten) allergy. When such individuals eat things with wheat, they might get hives, have trouble breathing or feel sick in their stomachs. It can be mild or very serious so they need to be careful.

What are the problems associated with gluten intake by gluten-intolerant individuals?

Administering gluten represents a major health risk for gluten-sensitive people. Some of the potential complications include the following:

Gastrointestinal problems

Gluten sensitivity can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as (5):

• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Gas
• Abdominal pain

Systemic symptoms of celiac disease:

• Fatigue 
• Weight loss
• Anaemia
• Osteoporosis
• Fertility issues

Gastrointestinal symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhoea

Systemic symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Mood disturbances

Malabsorption of nutrients

Gluten sensitivity can impair the absorption of essential nutrients from the digestive system like iron, calcium and vitamins. This, in turn, can result in nutritional deficiencies and associated health problems such as anaemia, weakened bones, and a compromised immune system (5).

Systemic inflammation

Gluten sensitivity can activate an immune response in the body, leading to inflammation. Ingesting gluten-containing medications may contribute to ongoing inflammation, potentially exacerbating symptoms associated with gluten sensitivity.

Weight changes

Gluten intolerance can cause unintended fluctuations in weight. Some individuals may experience weight loss due to malnutrition while others may struggle with weight gain as they consume gluten-free alternatives that are high in calories and less nutritious (5).

Skin issues 

A common complication of gluten intolerance is dermatitis and an itchy and blistering skin rash (6). This condition associated with an immune system response triggered by gluten can be uncomfortable and lead to scarring if left untreated.

How gluten in Desvenlafaxine can affect treatment efficacy?

Gluten in Desvenlafaxine or any other medication does not affect its treatment efficacy in patients who are not sensitive to gluten.

However, for individuals with celiac disease, consuming gluten in any form even through medications can lead to different health issues and discomfort (3,4).

This can indirectly affect the treatment efficacy because feeling physically unwell can decline a person’s overall well-being and may also lead to non-compliance with medication which can interfere with desired therapeutic outcomes.

What amount of gluten in a drug formulation can harm you?

If you are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, then even a tiny amount of it in the drug formulation can cause your immune system to react and harm your small intestine.

According to international standards, gluten-free is considered to have less than 20 parts of gluten per million parts of the product. This standard is widely accepted in the food industry (7).

However, it is important to note that some people with celiac disease might still react to levels below 20 ppm. So they need to be careful and check what they eat or use (7).

How to ensure gluten-free medications?

To avoid taking drugs that contain gluten, try out the following strategies:

Consult healthcare provider

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about your gluten intolerance. They can help identify gluten-free alternatives and provide specific information about the medications you are prescribed (1).

Read medication labels

Read the medication inserts or labels for any mention of gluten or wheat-derived ingredients. Look for statements like “gluten-free” or “does not contain gluten” on the label.

Reach out to the medication’s manufacturer if the label does not provide clear information about gluten content. They can provide accurate information about their products and formulations.

Remember that open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for ensuring safe and effective medication consumption when you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Final words

In my view and the knowledge available, Desvenlafaxine is gluten-free, but there is no guarantee that all generics and brands are gluten-free as well.

In my opinion, individuals with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease or wheat allergy need to take proactive steps to ensure that their medication is gluten-free.

Always consult your healthcare provider about gluten-free options to mitigate the risks associated with gluten in medications.

References