Comment from Melanie Wheeler
AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: An individual living with alpha gal syndrome (AGS) supports the proposed action to require clearer labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. They argue that current labeling is insufficient for patients with severe allergies to mammalian products, which can lead to life-threatening reactions during surgery or when taking over-the-counter drugs.
I fully support clearer labels identify animal containing ingredients because I have a tick born illness called alpha gal syndrome. It is estimated that more than 450,000 people living in the U.S. have this affliction. AGS produces and allergic reaction to all mammalian meat and its by products. It is almost impossible to determine from a label what is included in over the counter drugs as well as prescribed drugs. When I explain this issue with my Doctors, many have no idea how to determine what is included in drugs. I actually have to carry a printed copy of a medical journal article to doctor appointments with. And God forbid if you have AGS and need surgery. I recently had to have surgery and I literally were more frightened of the possibility of dying from AGS than the actual surgery. So on behalf of all of those living with this affliction, please make the ingredients easy to read and transparent. Little things like gelatin can cause a serious life threatening reaction. Is the gelatin in the gel capsules animal derived or plant derived? Completely unknown in almost 100% of the time unless the label says “vegan”. It’s really hard navigating this disease especially when most doctors are unaware of this disease until they are exposed to it. Changing regulations regarding listing transparent understandable ingredients would be a big step in making 450,000 lives safer. And the number of those afflicted is growing daily!