Comment from Nancy Crespo
AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: An individual who suffered a severe allergic reaction due to undisclosed ingredients in medication argues for clearer labeling of pharmaceutical components. They specifically request that manufacturers identify whether magnesium stearate is derived from mammal or plant sources to ensure patient safety.
In 2017 I suffered anaphylaxis (kounis Syndrome) while in a knee replacement operation. I told my anesthesiologist about my alpha gal and somehow he decided to have a pharmacist in the operating room though he gave me acetaminophen. I told him I never took acetaminophen. Later he informed me that the acetaminophen was what caused my reaction. It is essential that everyone is aware of the danger of not labeling pills more clearly. I have to contact manufacturers every time my doctors change my medicines to make sure the magnesium stearate has palm oil and not mammal in it. Some manufacturers never respond. Others are extremely helpful. Others take weeks to respond which means I'm off the needs until I can be sure they are safe for me. It would help if the magnesium stearate is identified as mammal or plant.