When Medications Contain Peanut Oil

Thankfully, Kim Hollinger followed her gut feeling as she asked a for a second pharmacist’s opinion on if an ear drop prescribed to her daughter contained peanut oil. Her daughter’s physician said no. Her first pharmacist said no. Kim’s gut said yes and her smart phone was not able to secure WiFi to do the necessary homework. The second pharmacist confirmed that yes, indeed, the DermOtic Oil Otic contain peanut oil!
The lesson here is a that we must all work to confirm anything we put into our bodies is safe.  Working with our allergists to understand which medications are appropriate for our specific health conditions key. In my town, there is a free service offered by our local medical school that offers to look at your medications for safe interactions with other medications and your conditions. Also, like any other diseases, asthma, for example, the benefit of taking steroids might out-weigh the side effects of the medication. Only you and your allergist can make these kinds of decisions.
There are two morals to this Peanut-Oil-In-the-Ear-Drops story:

• The Pharmacist is your friend. It is very important to remind your pharmacy of allergens for your LIFE-THREATENING ANAPHYLACTIC allergy to (insert your allergen here). Use those three words firmly. I have witnessed my own children using the terms, “I have food allergies” vs “I have life-threatening anaphylactic food allergies”, and the response is better when the kids are firmer that the allergy is not light weight. Some pharmacies will input allergens directly into your record–ask if this service is available.
• Trust yourself. Kim was brilliant in her following her mom allergy alert instinct. If your gut is saying something, then pause and just ask yourself why and do your homework. Decide if whatever is nagging at you is just unsubstantiated fear or if there really exists reason to be concerned.

I understand that certain peanut oils are not harmful since the peanut protein has been removed. BUT, I could not tell you off the top of my head if I know if it is heat press or cold press oils and where refined peanut oil falls in this category. Therefore, physicians and pharmacists need to be equipped to confirm allergens in medications. The American Collage of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology shares that many individuals with peanut oil can safely consume refined peanut oil and advises us “If you have a peanut allergy, ask an allergist whether you should avoid all types of peanut oil.”
I asked Kim for her advice to the rest of us and here is what she had to say…
“After 19 years of being an Allergy Mom I still haven’t gained the ability to have Super Mom instincts. I’m always reading for hidden places you might not expect allergens. My best advice or words of wisdom is trust your gut and question everything. It’s okay to double & triple check. I’d much rather someone find me annoying than watch my child struggle to breathe and lose her. I have raised Kendall with three musts:
1) must have medic alert bracelet on 24/7
2) must have 2 Epi-Pens, inhaler and your own safe food everywhere you go
3) when in doubt , leave it out . If you can’t confirm ingredients yourself and be absolutely positive then it’s better to go hungry than risk losing your life”.

The bottom line here is that we all need to remain vigilant and do our homework and seek a second opinion if we have questions.

Important note: Always check in with your physician before you make any changes to your health protocol and how you manage your own health needs or those of your family. Only your physician, who understands the details of your needs can properly guide you. Here, we can cheer you on and share food for thought!