Allergy Health: A Review of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold

As someone who suffers from severe food allergies, and who has experienced severe allergic reactions due to the failure of companies not proving vital information on their product's label, I feel that it is imperative to point out Alka-Seltzer's short comings and utter discard for public safety... To be honest I really hate writing negative reviews, they just aren't my style. But every so often I encounter a product which inspires my inner critic (who happens to have many things is common with Dr. House). Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold is such a product.

The Problem:
While having the flu is never something enjoyable, it is much worse when you top it off with an allergic reaction. When I tried Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold in hopes that it would relieve my cold symptoms I had the exact opposite to happen. With in seconds of the medicine touching my tongue, my mouth became severely itchy. As I stood to go rise my mouth with waster I realized that I was becoming dizzy and my vision was somewhat blurred. My lungs soon became very tight and painful, finally giving way to an asthma attack. Soon I realized that my tongue was swollen as well. Thankfully I had the medicines I needed near by (I always keep them on hand when trying something new). The medicines stopped the reaction from progressing further and within a few hours I felt a little better. But what would have happened if I had not taken any precautions and simply tried Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold trusting the product's label? This is question that the company should ask its self.

Company's Failure:
Reading labels has become a way of life for me and my husband. It is not a choice for us, but a matter of survival. Foods, drinks and medicines that are processed in a factory that also processes gluten is a danger for me. For this reason we both read labels carefully and double check behind each other to ensure that what we buy is safe. With this in mind you can imagine the shock we had upon learning that Alka-Seltzer is not safe for those with sensitivities like mine.

What follows is found on Alka-Seltzer's website under the FAQ section at http://www.alka-seltzer.com/as/faqs.html "Does Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold contain gluten? We do not add any gluten to our products. However, we cannot guarantee that they are 100% gluten free as this product is produced in a facility that manufactures or packages other items which may contain gluten."

No where on the label, the box, or the information pamphlet was this information written... Now for many this not a problem.. BUT... for me and others who suffer from severe allergies it is a pretty big deal. I found this information the day after my allergic reaction. It is very sad that research was required to find such important details. This company seems to not be concerned with the health of those who can not tolerate even small amounts of gluten in their system.

My thoughts Are:
What would have happened if a child or an elderly person who suffers from this type of allergy had tried this medicine? What if someone pregnant had this type of allergic reaction? These are questions which Alka-Seltzer should take into consideration.

Personally I will never buy, use, or allow this product in my home as the content of gluten is high enough that I had subsequent allergic reaction after kissing my husband a few minutes after he had taken this medicine.

Your Thoughts?:
Has this or something similar happened to you? If so leave a comment below. The more we speak out about such ignorance and disregard, the more companies will realize that lack of formation could and will harm consumers.