Dr. Jasmine Uchi, is the Director of Medical Affairs and Operations at VeganMed, Inc. and an adjunct professor at the University of the Pacific’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. Often referred to as the “alpha-gal pharmacist,” Dr. Uchi is recognized for her expertise in addressing Alpha-gal Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy. She has made significant contributions to patient safety and health equity through her published research, which has gained attention across multiple media platforms. Additionally, Dr. Uchi is a registered pharmacist and a TEDx speaker, passionately advocating for ingredient transparency in medicine to promote safer and more inclusive healthcare practices.
In this article, she discusses the critical need for transparency regarding animal-derived ingredients in medications.
The Hidden Ingredients in Our Medications: Why Pharma Must Change
By Jasmine Uchi, Director of Medical Affairs and Operations at VeganMed, Inc
In the ongoing conversation about healthcare transparency, one issue remains largely overlooked: the hidden presence of animal-derived ingredients in medications. For individuals with severe allergies like Alpha-gal Syndrome (a red-meat allergy), vegans/vegetarians, and those with religious restrictions, this lack of transparency poses significant challenges.
The Concern: Patient Safety and Consumer Preferences
Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is a condition that results from a tick bite (commonly the Lone Star tick), which manifests as an allergy to mammalian-derived ingredients found in food and medications. Patients with this allergy must avoid these ingredients entirely, yet doing so is incredibly difficult. Sources of ingredients like gelatin from pigs and magnesium stearate from cows are often undisclosed, putting patients at unnecessary risk. Over 450,000 Americans have AGS, and 50% of AGS patients have experienced serious allergic reactions to mammalian-derived ingredients in their medications.
The implications extend beyond AGS patients. Approximately 6% of the U.S. population identifies as vegan or vegetarian—around 20 million people who may unknowingly consume animal products due to insufficient labeling. For these individuals, the lack of transparency is not just an inconvenience; it directly conflicts with their values and beliefs.
A Call for Greater Transparency
Despite a 2018 policy from the American Medical Association recommending that manufacturers disclose animal-derived ingredients in medications, progress has been minimal. The pharmaceutical industry continues to lag in providing the full clarity needed to protect and inform consumers. As a result, AGS patients suffer allergic reactions, vegans compromise their ethics, and those with religious dietary practices face unnecessary challenges—all due to the absence of clear information.
The Solution: Awareness and Action
Raising public awareness is the first step. With 75% of medications containing animal-derived ingredients, many people remain unaware of the potential risks. Consumers deserve to know what they are putting in their bodies and increased awareness can ensure informed decision making regarding their health.
While healthcare professionals can assist in identifying medications without animal-derived ingredients, the information is not always readily available. The pharmaceutical industry has a responsibility to provide clear, accessible information about their products. Labeling medications with allergen information, similar to food products, would be a game-changer for millions of people. The ADINA Act, for instance, is pushing for this necessary change.
Organizations like VeganMed are also making significant strides in this effort. Currently, thousands of patients find animal-free medications that do not contain animal-derived ingredients or other allergens from their website. Some pharmaceutical companies have partnered with VeganMed to create standardized response letters to freely provide patients the needed ingredient transparency at this central location. However, to achieve lasting change, more companies must embrace such initiatives to meet the growing demand for transparency and ethical options. Collaboration is key to ensuring that all patients can make healthy choices.
Ultimately, with over 2000 over-the-counter and prescription medications available as animal-free, an increasing number of consumers are making the safer, ethical and more sustainable choice of consuming animal-free meds. However, greater awareness and action is needed.
