ADINA Act would require allergen labeling on OTC, prescription medication
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Key takeaways:
- 93% of all medicines include a potential allergen.
- The ADINA Act would require all medication labels to list allergenic and gluten ingredients.
- The legislation has been endorsed by 14 medical organizations.
The Allergen Disclosure in Non-Food Articles Act would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require labels on drugs intended for human use to indicate if they include ingredients derived from the top nine food allergens or glutens.
Named for Adina Togal, a girl who was hospitalized after taking medication that included undisclosed allergens, the ADINA Act (HR 4263/S 2079) would hold over-the-counter and prescription medications to the same labeling standards as food products.
“Everyone has a right to know what’s going into their body, whether it be medication or food,” Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN-03), sponsor of the bill, said in a press release. “Without proper labeling, taking medication for a simple illness could have detrimental or even deadly side effects for people living with severe food allergies.”
Adina, age 11 years, has autoimmune diseases as well as a dairy allergy and celiac disease. While she was sick at summer camp, she was prescribed antibiotics.
Adina’s parents called the manufacturer of the medication to see if it included any allergens or was produced on any lines shared with other medications that might have allergens, but the manufacturer would not confirm or deny their presence.
After taking the medication, Adina experienced a reaction and went to the ED, where she was hospitalized.
“I’m grateful Adina and her family brought this issue to my attention, and I encourage my colleagues to support the ADINA Act for a safer, healthier future for those with food allergies,” Phillips said.
“This commonsense measure will provide the millions of Americans with food allergies the peace of mind and transparency they deserve,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate, said in the press release.
According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), more than 33 million Americans have a potentially life-threatening food allergy. Also, FARE reports, 93% of all medicines include a potential allergen.
For example, prednisone includes lactose and regularly is given to patients after an anaphylactic attack. Lactose also is used in approximately 20% of all prescriptions and in 6% of OTC drugs.
In March, FARE and its advocates met with members of Congress to discuss issues that are important to the food allergy community, including legislation.
“Moving the ADINA Act forward is one of FARE’s top legislative priorities,” Jason Linde, MA, senior vice president of advocacy at FARE, said in a press release from the organization.
“We are dedicated to advocating for individuals with food allergies and ensuring their safety and well-being, and the ADINA Act plays a crucial role in that goal by enhancing allergen labeling by providing life-critical information in medicines,” Linde said.
In addition to FARE, the ADINA Act has been endorsed by 13 other organizations, including the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the Allergy & Asthma Network, and the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team.
Reference:
- FARE strongly endorses the ADINA Act (HR 4263/S 2079). https://www.foodallergy.org/media-room/fare-strongly-endorses-adina-act-hr-4263/s-2079. Published June 22, 2023. Accessed June 22, 2023.
- Rep. Dean Phillips. Inspired by Minnesota family’s allergy scare, Phillips introduces the ADINA Act. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTSWJYoGMl4. Published May 25, 2023. Accessed June 22, 2023.