Health is wealth, and making informed decisions about what you put into your body is an investment in your future.
Medications play an essential role in helping us achieve and maintain our best health, and can often save lives. However, some medications contain phthalates. These “everywhere chemicals” are used for extended-release functions and enteric coatings in pharmaceuticals. While phthalate additives can be necessary for certain drugs to perform optimally, it's important to understand their potential impacts on our health and fertility [1]. Phthalates are known hormone disruptors. Therefore, you might want to discuss alternatives or lifestyle changes that could reduce the need for medications containing phthalates. Let's take a closer look at the use of phthalates in pharmaceuticals and explore ways to minimize their presence in our lives.
Why Are Phthalates Added to Medicine?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They’re also found in millions of consumer products, including food packaging, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals. In medicine, phthalates are used in the coatings of certain medications. These coatings help control the release of the drug, protect the stomach lining, and ensure that the medication is absorbed in the intestines, where it can be most effective.
Enteric Coatings
Medications must reach the intestines so that the pharmaceuticals can be absorbed and distributed through the bloodstream. However, swallowing pills into your stomach acid can make this challenging.
Therefore, phthalates are often used in enteric coatings. Enteric coatings are special coverings applied to pills or capsules that prevent them from dissolving in the stomach.
Adding phthalates to medications ensures that the drugs are not released until they reach the intestines.
This helps protect the stomach lining from irritation and ensures that the medication is delivered to the intestines, where it can be absorbed more effectively. This is particularly important for medications that can cause stomach upset or need to be absorbed in the intestines to work properly.
However, phthalates can also disrupt the balance within your gut microbiome [2]. Therefore, these enteric coatings could potentially lead to the exact issues they are designed to address.
Extended-Release Formula
Phthalates are used in extended-release formulations to control the rate at which a medication is released into the body. Extended-release formulas are designed so that the drug dissolves slowly over time. This function provides a steady release of the active ingredient.
Extended-release formulas are formulated to help maintain consistent drug levels in the bloodstream. Taking an extended-release formula reduces the need for frequent dosing. Limiting your servings ultimately improves patient compliance.
Phthalates act as binding agents in these formulations. Adding phthalates to extended-release medications ensures that the medication releases gradually rather than all at once. This can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize side effects.
However, phthalates are linked to hormone disruption. Throwing off hormonal balance could be the foundation for many health concerns [3]. Therefore, using extended-release medications with phthalates could potentially be hindering your progress.
What Medications Contain Phthalates?
Knowledge is power. Determining if your medications contain phthalates can be beneficial for your preventative health goals.
Phthalates are included in medications to improve their delivery and effectiveness. Unfortunately, phthalates may also have adverse effects on health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that more than 100 different drug and dietary supplement products contain phthalates [4]. They found these harmful chemicals in prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and various dietary supplements.
Here are some types of medications that commonly contain phthalates [5]:
- Certain pain medications
- Hormonal treatments
- Antidepressants
- Gastrointestinal medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
Knowing which medications contain phthalates empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. While some medications are needed, others might be optional or avoidable through lifestyle changes. Discussing alternatives with your healthcare provider can help you find the safest options, ensuring that you balance the benefits and risks effectively.
Health Concerns Associated with Phthalates
Set yourself up for a healthy future. Be aware of what you put in your body and the potential effects these chemicals might have.
Phthalates are notorious for being hormone disruptors, which means they can interfere with the body's endocrine system. This disruption can lead to various health problems, including reproductive issues, developmental delays, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
When ingested through medications, phthalates can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This raises potential concerns about their long-term effects.
Weighing the pros and cons of using medications containing phthalates is crucial, especially if there are alternative treatments or lifestyle changes available.
Phthalates Banned in Medicine List
There are thousands of types of phthalates used commercially. More and more research is coming to light about the health effects of phthalates. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned some phthalates from medications.
Due to their endocrine-disrupting properties, the FDA has banned the following phthalates [6]:
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- Butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP)
With that said, there are still hundreds of other types of phthalates available for use in medicine. Therefore, we must do our own due diligence, learning as much as we can about the medications we take.
How to Avoid Phthalates in Medications
Medications can be crucial for your health. Never make any changes to your wellness routine without consulting a healthcare physician first.
Avoiding phthalates requires careful planning. It’s especially important for those who rely on medications.
Here are some steps you can take to minimize exposures to phthalates in medications:
- Speak with your doctor about phthalate-free alternatives.
- Explore different formulations like tablets or liquid forms that may not use phthalates.
- Consider lifestyle changes that might reduce your need for certain medications.
Every little bit counts when it comes to reducing your phthalate intake. If you must take these medications, there might be other options for you to consider.
Low-Tox Alternatives to Phthalates in Medications
The world is waking up to the potential health effects of phthalates. Thankfully, this knowledge is informing medicine into an evolution that could potentially see a phthalate-free future.
While not widespread, some low-tox alternatives to phthalates in medications are available:
- Acetyl tributyl citrate
- Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO)
Talk to your healthcare provider about these alternatives to see if they can help you find safer options for your medication needs.
Lifestyle Changes
Some medications are necessary to treat long-term illnesses or sudden health problems. Thankfully, others might be optional or can be reduced with healthy lifestyle changes.
For example, medicines for high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes might not be needed as much if you eat well, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. In some cases, you might not need vitamins or other over-the-counter medicines if you get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet.
To stay healthy, try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. Reducing stress through activities like meditation or yoga and staying active can also help you feel better and may reduce the need for medications.
Remember, always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication routine. If they believe that this is the right treatment for you, don’t let it stress you out.
Our bodies are designed to eliminate harmful chemicals from our system. We just need to set the body up for success. Limit your exposure to other harmful chemicals to help reduce the overall effects of phthalates on your health.
Test Your Body for Phthalates
Even small doses of phthalates can be harmful. Therefore, limiting exposure is essential. This is especially true if you need medications containing phthalates.
Phthalates are found in many products, particularly those with fragrances, food packaging, cosmetics, clothing, flooring, and more.
Many times, phthalates are hiding in products. Test your urine for phthalates with Million Marker’s Detect & Detox Test Kit.
This mail-in test can help identify where these chemicals might be hiding in your daily routine. With this knowledge, you can take actionable steps to reduce your exposure and protect your health.
Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7559247/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9502294/
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance
[4] https://www.bumc.bu.edu/2011/12/16/researchers-identify-phthalates-in-numerous-medicines-and-supplements/
[5]https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/womens-health/phthalates-health-hazards
[6] https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Limiting-the-Use-of-Certain-Phthalates-as-Excipients-in-CDER-Regulated-Products_pdf.pdf