Browsing by Author "Santo, Maria"
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- Alergias “Alimentares” a MedicamentosPublication . Santo, Maria; Brás, Adriana; Casimiro, Andreia; Auxtero, Maria Deolinda; Figueiredo, Alexandra; Costa, Isabel Margarida
- Cow’s milk protein allergy: the hidden danger of medicines’ excipientsPublication . Santo, Maria; Auxtero, Maria Deolinda; Figueiredo, Alexandra; Costa, Isabel MargaridaIn patients with a cow’s milk protein allergy, the presence of these allergens in medicines, even in trace amounts, can trigger serious allergic reactions. The study of milk-related excipient prevalence in 165 antiasthmatic medicines, based on the information included in the Summary of Product Characteristics, revealed the presence of lactose in more than one third of these medicines. Since lactose may suffer cross-contamination with cow’s milk protein, these results are an alert to health professionals.
- Risks of dairy derived excipients in medications for lactose intolerant and cow milk protein allergic patientsPublication . Figueiredo, Alexandra; Auxtero, Maria Deolinda; Santo, Maria; Casimiro, Andreia; Costa, Isabel MargaridaThe use of lactose and cow milk protein (CMP) as potential allergens in pharmaceuticals and their ability to cause allergic reactions remains a significant concern in medicine. Lactose, a common pharmaceutical excipient due to its inert, inexpensive, and stable properties, is found in many prescription-only and over-the-counter medications. However, despite their widespread use, individuals with lactose intolerance (LI) or cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) may experience adverse reactions to these excipients. This study investigated the prevalence of lactose and other dairy-derived ingredients in pharmaceuticals marketed in Portugal. Using the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) from the INFOMED database, various medications, including analgesics, antipyretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antiasthmatics, were analyzed. Results showed a high prevalence of dairy-derived excipients, particularly in antiasthmatic drugs (62.6%) and NSAIDs (39%). Although CMP are not explicitly mentioned in SmPCs, the presence of lactose as an ingredient poses a risk of cross-contamination. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of potential allergens in medications and the importance of developing lactose-free alternatives to ensure the safety of patients with LI and CMPA. Further research is required to assess the safety and implications of lactose in medicines for these populations.