Friday, May 18, 2018

Colleges of Pharmacy Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

(Revised September, 2021)

Due to disturbing testimonies from the 13.5K+ members of our corn allergy support groups confirming that clinicians continue to administer dextrose-containing IV fluids to corn-allergic patients in direct violation of the contraindication warning on the package insert, I am concerned that pharmacy students are not being adequately educated about the dangers of NMIs (non-medicinal ingredients) in drugs.  In addition, I have read too many personal testimonies confirming that clinicians continue to prescribe medications to corn-allergic patients that contain corn-derived excipients even though their allergy to corn is clearly documented in their medical records.

ALABAMA:

Auburn University School of Pharmacy, Auburn, @AUHSOP
McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, @SamfordPharmacy
South University School of Pharmacy (11 U.S. campuses), @SouthU

ARIZONA:
Midwestern University College of Pharmacy, Glendale, @MidwesternUniv
University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, @UAZPharmacy

ARKANSAS:
Harding University College of Pharmacy, Searcy, @HUPharmacy
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Pharmacy, Little Rock, @uamshealth

CALIFORNIA:
California Health Sciences University (CHSU) School of Pharmacy, Clovis, @CHSUniv
California Northstate University College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, FB message
Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, FB message
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) School of Pharmacy, Claremont, @KeckGrad
Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda, FB message
Marshall B. Ketchum University College of Pharmacy, Fullerton, FB message
Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy & Health Science Stockton University of the Pacific (3 locations), @UOPacific
Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, @TouroCalifornia
UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, La Jolla, Email: pharmacy@ucsd.edu
University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy, San Francisco, @ucsfpharmacy
University of Southern California (USC) School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, @USCSchPharmacy
West Coast University College of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, @westcoastu
Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, Pomona, @WesternUNews

COLORADO:
Regis University Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, Denver, @RegisUniversity
University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, @CUPharmacy

CONNECTICUT:
School of Pharmacy University of St. Joseph, West Hartford, @USJCT
University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, Email: pharmacy@uconn.edu

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:
Howard University College of Pharmacy, online contact form + Email: awutoh@howard.edu

FLORIDA:
Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tallahassee, Email: info@famu.edu [Email address no longer viable]
Larkin University College of Pharmacy, Miami, @larkininstitute
LECOM School of Pharmacy, Bradenton, @1LECOM
Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy, Fort Lauderdale, @NSUPharmacy
Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, West Palm Beach, @PBAUniversity
South University School of Pharmacy (11 U.S. campuses), @SouthU
University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, @UFPharmacy
University of South Florida College of Pharmacy, Tampa, @USFCOP

GEORGIA:
Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, @MercerCOP
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy–Georgia Campus, Suwanee [unable to contact]
South University College of Pharmacy (11 locations), @SouthU
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, @UGAPharmacy

HAWAII:
University of Hawaii at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, Hilo, @UHHiloDKICP

IDAHO:
Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, Pocatello, @ISUPharmacy

ILLINOIS:
Chicago State University College of Pharmacy, Chicago, Email: pharmacy@csu.edu
Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove, @MidwesternUniv
Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy, Chicago/Schaumburg, @RooseveltU
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science College of Pharmacy, North Chicago, @RFUPharm
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, Edwardsville, @SIUE
University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, Chicago/Rockford, @UICPharm

INDIANA:
Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Indianapolis, @butleru
Manchester University College of Pharmacy, North Manchester, @ManchesterUniv
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, @purduepharmacy

IOWA:
Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Des Moines, @DrakeCPHS
University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, @UIPharmacy

KANSAS:
The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, @KUPharmacy

KENTUCKY:
Sullivan University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Louisville, @su_pharm, FB message
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, @UK_COP

LOUISIANA:
University of Louisiana Monroe School of Pharmacy, Monroe, Email: sylvester@ulm.edu
Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy, New Orleans, @XULA1925

MAINE:
Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, @HussonU
University of New England School of Pharmacy, Portland, @unepharmacy

MARYLAND:
Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, @NDMPharmacy
University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy, Princess Anne, @UMESNews
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, @umsop

MASSACHUSETTS:
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (3 campuses), @MCPHSBoston
Northeastern University Bouve´ School of Health Sciences, Boston, Email: pharmacypractice@northeastern.edu
Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Springfield, @WNECOPHS

MICHIGAN:
Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, Big Rapids, @FerrisState
South University School of Pharmacy (11 U.S. campuses), @SouthU
University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, @UMichPharmacy
Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, @wsueacphs

MINNESOTA:
University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Duluth/Minneapolis, @UMN_Pharmacy

MISSISSIPPI:
The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, University, MS, @olemisspharmacy
William Carey University School of Pharmacy, Hattiesburg/Biloxi, Email: pharmacy@wmcarey.edu

MISSOURI:
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in STL, @UHSPedu
University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Pharmacy, Kansas City, @UMKCpharmacy

MONTANA:
University of Montana College of Health Professions & Biomedical Sciences, Missoula, Email: health.professions@umontana.edu

NEBRASKA:
Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Omaha, Emails: amh44034@creighton.edu, nza22922@creighton.edu
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Omaha, @UnmcCop

NEVADA:
Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, UT/NV, @rosemanuhs

NEW JERSEY:
Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Florham Park, @FDUPharmacy 
The State University of New Jersey Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, FB message

NEW MEXICO:
University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, @UNMHSC

NEW YORK:
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, VT/NY, @acphsofficial
Binghamton University State University of New York School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton, Email: info@binghamton.edu
D'Youville College School of Pharmacy, Buffalo, @DYouville
Long Island University Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Brooklyn, @LIUPharmacy, @LIUPharmacyDean
St. John Fisher College Wegmans School of Pharmacy, Rochester, Email: pcarzo@sjfc.edu
St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Queens, @StJohnsU
Stony Brook School of Pharmacy, Stony Brook, online contact form, @stonybrooku
Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, @WeAreTouro
University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, @UBPharm

NORTH CAROLINA:
Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Buies Creek, @CampbellCPHS
High Point University Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point, @HighPointU
South University School of Pharmacy (11 U.S. campuses), @SouthU
University of North Carolina (UNC) Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, @UNCPharmacy
Wingate University School of Pharmacy, Wingate, @WingatePharmacy

NORTH DAKOTA:
North Dakota State University School of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences, Fargo, @NdsuPharm

OHIO:
Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, Cedarville, @cedarville
Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Pharmacy, Rootstown, @NEOMEDedu
Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ada, @ohionorthern
Ohio State College of Pharmacy, Columbus, @osu_pharmacy
South University School of Pharmacy (11 U.S. campuses), @SouthU
University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, Cincinnati, Email: pharmacy@uc.edu
University of Findlay College of Pharmacy, Findlay, @ufindlay
University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, @UToledoPharmacy

OKLAHOMA:
Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy, Weatherford, @swosu
The University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, online contact form

OREGON:
Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Corvallis, @OSUPharmacy
Pacific University Oregon School of Pharmacy, Forest Grove, @pacificu

PENNSYLVANIA:
Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, @DuquesnePharm
Jefferson Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, Email: JSPAdmissions@jefferson.edu
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Pharmacy Erie Campus, Erie, @1LECOM
Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, @TU_SP
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, @pittpharmacy
University of the Sciences Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, @USciences
Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes-Barre, @WilkesU

RHODE ISLAND:
University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, @URI_Pharmacy

SOUTH CAROLINA:
Columbia University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, @UofSCPharm
Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Charleston, Email: reevesd@musc.edu
Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, Clinton, @PC_Pharmacy
South Carolina College of Pharmacy, @SCPharmacy
South University School of Pharmacy (11 U.S. campuses), @SouthU

SOUTH DAKOTA:
South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, Brookings, @SDState

TENNESSEE:
Belmont University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, @BelmontUniv
East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, Johnson City, @etsu
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, @lipscomb
South College School of Pharmacy, Knoxville, @SouthCollege
Union University School of Pharmacy, Jackson, Email: webmaster@uu.edu
University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy (3 campuses), @UTPharmacy

TEXAS:
South University School of Pharmacy (11 U.S. campuses), @SouthU
Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Kingsville, @TAMUpharmacy
Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Houston, @TexasSouthern
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Lubbock, @TTUHSC
University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, @UHouston
University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, Fort Worth, @UNTHSC
University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, @UTexasPharmacy
University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy, El Paso, @UTEPSOP
University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy, San Antonio, Email: admis@uiwtx.edu

UTAH:
Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, UT/NV, @rosemanuhs
University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, @uofupharmacy

VERMONT:
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, VT/NY, @acphsofficial

VIRGINIA:
Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Oakwood, @AppPharm
Hampton University School of Pharmacy, Hampton, online contact form
Shenandoah University Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Winchester, @ShenandoahU
South University School of Pharmacy (11 U.S. campuses), @SouthU
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, @VCUPharmacy

WASHINGTON:
University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, @UW_Pharmacy
Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Pullman/Spokane, @WSUPharmacy

WEST VIRGINIA:
Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Huntington, @MarshallPharmD
University of Charleston School of Pharmacy, Charleston, @UCSOP
West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, Morgantown, @WVUPharmacy

WISCONSIN:
Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Mequon, @CUWisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin Pharmacy School, Milwaukee, @MedicalCollege
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Madison, @UWMadPharmacy

WYOMING:
University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy, Laramie, @UWyonews


Critical Corn Allergy References, Studies, Statistics, and Petitions
(Includes my submission to The Joint Commission, Congress, FDA, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requesting an emergency mandate that hospitals stock corn-free foods, liquids, & medications for the safety of corn-allergic patients.)

Baxter Labs specifically warns about administering dextrose IV fluids to corn-allergic patients.
 "Solutions containing dextrose should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products." - Page 3

BCPharmacists, "Warning: corn-related allergens . . ."

My March 27, 2018, Certified Letter to the ACAAI  Re: Cornstarch and Corn Syrup

Argo Cornstarch Oral Challenge to Test Hypothesis Presented by the ACAAI
 [Conclusion: If you are allergic/intolerant to corn, do NOT consume cornstarch. I suffered a significant allergic reaction as a result of this oral challenge.]

"Probable anaphylactic reaction to corn-derived dextrose solution."

"Acids of Many Uses From Corn," C. L. Mehltretter

_________________________________


(Revised March 29, 2020)
I have also provided these colleges of pharmacy with the following documentation regarding dextrose vs. glucose.

Dextrose (corn sugar derived from cornstarch) is NOT a drug product, but is an ingredient added to drug products.
My March 5, 2020, Email to the FDA Re: Dextrose (Corn Sugar), per FDA Federal Regulation 184.1857, vs. Glucose (Blood Sugar)

Too many medical professionals are missing this critical contraindication warning.
LACTATED RINGER’S IN 5% DEXTROSE CONTRAINDICATED FOR CORN-ALLERGIC PATIENTS

Dextrose can prove fatal to the anaphylactic corn-allergic patient/consumer.
DEXTROSE (CORN SUGAR): FDA FEDERAL REGULATION, GRAS - 184.1857


Blog Post Forwarded July 8, 2020:

My July 2, 2020, Appeal to the NIH National Library of Medicine Re: PubChem CID 79025, Glucose (Blood Sugar) vs. Dextrose (Corn Sugar Derived from Cornstarch)

Blog Post Forwarded January 12, 2021

My January 6, 2021, Open Letter to the FDA Re: Critical Difference Between Glucose (Blood Sugar) and D-Glucose (Corn Sugar/Dextrose)
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2021/01/my-january-6-2021-open-letter-to-fda-re.html


Blog Posts Forwarded to Colleges of Pharmacy
with Active Twitter Accounts
September, 2021

 

Dextrose is the chemical name for corn sugar manufactured from cornstarch/D-glucose, 21CFR184.1857, which can prove fatal to anyone with an IgE-mediated allergy to corn.
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2021/06/dextrose-is-corn-sugar-21cfr1841857-and.html

Guidelines for reporting clinicians who administer corn sugar (dextrose/D-glucose)-containing IV fluids to corn-allergic patients in direct violation of the contraindication warning in the package insert.
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2019/12/lactated-ringers-in-5-dextrose.html





Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
Twitter:  @CornAllergy911



Source:
“List of pharmacy schools in the United States”




Friday, May 11, 2018

Against the Grain Gourmet Pizza Oral Challenge for Corn/Corn-Derived Ingredients


I have been conducting oral challenges of products advertised as "corn free" by the manufacturer.  If I experience a corn allergy reaction, I then file reports with the manufacturer, the FDA, and the FTC.

WARNING:
I strongly recommend that you do not attempt any oral food challenges unless you are in the presence of your physician.  Although I have not yet experienced an anaphylactic reaction to corn or my other allergens, I did have epinephrine auto-injector pens available (prescribed for my allergy to most antibiotics).

Failed oral challenge of Against the Grain Gourmet Pizza - Three Cheese
UPC Code #892453001082
Lot #17:26:52
Best By: 04/09/19
Packaging Claim:  “Our products contain no gluten, wheat, corn, soy, rice, peanuts, or tree nuts.”

May 11, 2018:
5:55 pm:  I consumed 2 slices of this pizza, and only added safe-for-me non-iodized salt.

6:30 pm:  Allergic reactions included pounding heart, increased pulse rate (80 bpm), and severe abdominal swelling (“corn baby”).  These are my usual reactions to corn exposure.

8:00 pm:  Took an antihistamine to counteract allergic reaction.

11:00 pm:  Still miserable from allergic reaction to this product.  Heart continues to pound, heart rate now at 85 bpm (resting pulse rate normally 60), and abdominal swelling (it looks like I’m 7 months’ pregnant).

12:15 am:  My pulse rate has come down to 67 bpm; however, I am still experiencing abdominal swelling/discomfort.

Conclusion:
If you have an allergy/intolerance to corn/corn derivatives, I would recommend that you avoid this product.

For allergy comparison, my corn allergy tested at 1+ on skin-scratch testing in 2011; however, my reactions to corn/corn derivatives have significantly escalated in the last couple of years.

I believe the problem ingredient may be the canola oil, or their suppliers may use cornstarch on the cardboard base or in the plastic wrapping.

"Can someone with corn allergies use canola oil?" Rose Wiegley, May 2, 2013, Quora

"Food Allergies and Vegetable Oil: What You Need To Know," Amy E. Tracy, January 13, 2015, adventures of an allergic foodie

 
In the event you experience a corn allergy reaction to a product that is labeled "corn free," refer to instructions for filing reports in the following links:

Non-FDA-Compliant "Corn-Free" Claims (Revised 11/16/17); Title 21 U.S.C. - Section 343, Chapter 1 - Adulterated or Misbranded Foods or Drugs

FTC Filing a Complaint to Report False and Misleading Labeling
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/?utm_source=takeaction#crnt&panel1-1


UPDATE MAY 12, 2018:
I filed a report with the FTC detailing my allergic reaction to this mislabeled food product.

UPDATE JUNE 18, 2018:
I filed an adverse reaction report with the FDA.


Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/
@CornAllergy911



The intentional endangerment of corn-allergic citizens by U.S. regulatory agencies. [DOCUMENTED]

I was diagnosed with an IgE-mediated allergy to corn in 2011, and have been a full-time corn allergy advocate/researcher since 2014. My pu...