When people found out that they have a gluten and/or lactose allergy or sensitivity, most people focus on eliminating foods such as bread, milk, and pasta. Few people think that perhaps their every day medication, cold medicine, or supplement could ever have gluten in it.

Here is a list of common over the counter and prescription medications that have been known to contain gluten:
- Benefiber
- Boost
- Claritin
- Ensure Fiber
- Flonase
- Gas-X
- Glucerna
- Halls
- Hydrocortisone cream
- L-Lysine
- Lovastatin
- Metamucil
- Novolog 70/30
- Nutralite €" Amway
- Selenium
- Tricor
- Zyrtec
* Source : Glutenfreedrugs.com

Here is a list of common prescriptions medications that been known to contain lactose:
- Allergra
- Actonel
- Viagra
- Lipitor
- Warfarin
* Source: Galactosemics.org

These lists are by no means a complete list but it gives you an idea of products that you may be using that contain the very thing that you are sensitive towards. They could be aggravating your symptoms even if you are being perfect in every other way with your diet. For example, if you are taking Claritin every day for your allergies, you may actually be causing you more inflammation that reducing it. Also, as you eliminate a majority of gluten from your diet, you can become more sensitive to gluten when it is introduce to your system. This could mean an increase in headaches, constipation, and aching sensations. In theory, you could become worse going gluten free in your diet only, if you do not address additional sources.

This is where working with a knowledgeable practitioner can be an advantage to a patient. Someone who has training and knowledge of all possible sources of containments will be able to put together a comprehensive plan for you to eliminate all allergens from your diet. As with all prescribe medications, you should never stop taking them unless it is authorized by the prescribing physician. If you find that your doctor does not know anything about the possible ingredients of your medications, talk with a pharmacist or use reputable sources on the internet. More than likely, there are multiple medications for a specific condition that could be possibly gluten and dairy free.

Other daily products that we use that may contain gluten and dairy can include makeup, lotions, and bath products. Always check the label before buying any product that will be ingesting or coming in contact with your skin.