I searched through my local pharmacy for an antihistamine that didn’t contain dairy or corn. I had just about given up until I came across Allegra 12 hour antihistamine. It is clearly marked lactose free and when I looked at the other ingredients I was happy. One of the ingredients was starch and when I asked the pharmacist if that meant corn starch she said she didn’t know but to call the manufacturer. We then discussed how silly it is to have high allergens in an allergy medication and I went home to call. I got to thinking… Starch. If it was corn starch why didn’t they just say that? I am finding in my constant hunt for “safe” foods for my family that we as the consumer are getting duped a little. Manufacturers are becoming smarter in their verbiage because so much of their market share is looking for alternatives. What I am finding is that some are changing the wording so that we think it is safe to consume. Like do we really have time to play these games?
When I phoned the manufacturer I mentioned to the operator that I wanted to give the medication to my husband who has a corn allergy and she was very efficient with putting me in connection with their team of pharmacists. Unfortunately for anyone who has a corn allergy this is what I found out. The “starch” ingredient in Allegra 12 hour antihistamine is derived from corn.
I’m a glass is half full kind of girl so I am happy with what I found. At least this brand of Allegra doesn’t contain any dairy!