Coeliac disease (CD) is a common but often misunderstood autoimmune condition that affects how your body reacts to gluten. If you’ve been diagnosed—or suspect you may have it—your local pharmacy team is here to help.
CD is a lifelong autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—by damaging the lining of the small intestine. This damage affects your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, leading to a variety of symptoms and health complications.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Neurological symptoms (e.g., balance issues, nerve tingling) Fertility issues or repeated miscarriages
- Liver abnormalities (e.g., raised liver enzymes)
- Skin rashes and mouth ulcers
- Anaemia and persistent low iron
- Bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
- Osteoporosis
- Delayed growth or puberty in children
CD affects about 1 in 100 people in the UK, and the risk increases to 1 in 10 if you have a close family member with the condition. Only 30 per cent of those with the condition have been formally diagnosed. More needs to be done to accelerate identification of the half a million people currently unaware they have the condition, says Coeliac UK. On average, it takes 13 years for a CD diagnosis and the impact can be profound and wide-ranging. Research also shows that quality of life improves by around 30 per cent after a CD diagnosis.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a visit to your GP. They’ll review your symptoms, family history, and may run blood tests—you’ll need to have been eating gluten for at least six weeks beforehand for accurate results. If blood tests suggest coeliac disease, you may be referred for an endoscopy and biopsy to confirm.
Living Gluten-Free: The Only Treatment
There’s no medication to cure coeliac disease—a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment. This can be a big lifestyle change, but it’s essential to allow your gut to heal and prevent long-term complications.
How Your Pharmacist Can Help
Medication Guidance Most prescribed medicines are gluten-free, but a small number may contain wheat starch. Even when wheat starch is used, gluten levels are usually extremely low. Your pharmacist can check your medication ingredients and advise on gluten-free alternatives. If you’re experiencing new symptoms, your pharmacist can help determine if they’re from gluten exposure or a side effect of your medication.
Help with Gluten-Free Food Prescriptions
In some parts of the UK, patients with CD are eligible for prescriptions for gluten-free staple foods like bread and pasta. In Scotland, this is managed directly through your pharmacy. In Wales, support may be available via a subsidy card. Ask us how we can support you with gluten-free food access—it’s part of your treatment, and we’re here to help.
Support with Label Reading & Lifestyle Changes
Need help understanding food labels or checking if your medication is safe? We can guide you. Concerned about cross-contamination or shopping for gluten-free alternatives? We’ll point you in the right direction. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or living with CD long-term, our pharmacists offer friendly, professional advice whenever you need it.
Ongoing Care and Support
Your journey doesn’t end after diagnosis. Follow-up appointments are important to:
- Monitor nutrient levels and gut healing
- Track symptom improvement
- Provide emotional and psychological support
Coeliac disease can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Your pharmacy team is a key part of your support network.
Need Help with Coeliac Disease?
If you’ve been diagnosed with coeliac disease or have questions about gluten in your medications, email us or pop in to your local Numark pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist.
We’re here to help you live well—gluten-free.
Useful link: Check gluten-free prescriptions by area
