Allergy & Asthma Network and Avella Specialty Pharmacy Highlight Risks Associated with Latex Allergies and Latex

The Allergy & Asthma Network and Avella Specialty Pharmacy recently released a new white paper to underscore the significant risks related to latex allergies and the use of latex in health care. Specifically, there is substantial confusion as to the meaning of “latex free.” In fact, the FDA has urged manufacturers to drop the term “latex free” or a ”does not contain latex” claim from labels, because of the challenge to ensure a product is completely devoid of natural rubber latex proteins that cause allergic reactions.

According to the FDA, these labeling techniques are not sufficiently specific, not necessarily scientifically accurate, and may be misunderstood and applied too widely.

“Patient and physician safety is our highest priority, and we’re pleased to collaborate with Allergy & Asthma Network to shine a spotlight on the risks related to latex allergies and the use of latex in health care,” Rebecca Shanahan, CEO of Avella Specialty Pharmacy said in a press release. “Working in healthcare, it is vitally important to be aware of — and prepare for – all allergies related to the medications and products we use daily. We hope this white paper will equip caregivers with the information they need to ensure their safety and the safety of their patients.”

“We commend Avella Specialty Pharmacy for its leadership around the important issue of safeguarding against adverse effects related to latex allergies and the use of latex in healthcare,” Tonya Winders, President & CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network added in the press release. “When working with patients who have latex allergies, healthcare personnel must make efforts to ensure a latex-safe environment and therapy regimen. Allergy & Asthma Network is always looking for new and better ways to promote patient and healthcare professional safety, so we welcome partnerships like this with thoughtful healthcare stakeholders and pharmacies, like Avella.”

Co-authors of the new white paper, titled: “Latex Free Claims: A White Paper on the Risks Associated with Latex Allergies and Latex in Healthcare,” include latex allergy expert and co-founder of the former American Latex Allergy Association, Sue Lockwood, and Dr. Robert Hamilton, M.S., Ph.D. of Allergy & Asthma Network, along with Avella Specialty Pharmacy’s Dr. Eric Sredzinski, PharmD, AAHIVP, and Dr. Jenna Vaughn, PharmD, PGY1.

To download the white paper, please visit: www.avella.com/latex