Drugs to Avoid With Peanut & Shellfish Allergies

Allergic reactions to shellfish or peanuts can be serious or even life-threatening. If you are allergic to one or both of these foods, you should check for their presence in any medications you take. Shellfish is commonly found only in dietary supplements, not prescription medications. Peanut oil is present in several prescription drugs, and also in topical treatments for certain skin conditions. Consult your doctor for medical advice relating to your allergies.

Glucosamine sulfate is a dietary supplement used as a complementary therapy for arthritis. In particular, this supplement is used for osteoarthritis, according to Medline Plus. Some glucosamine sulfate supplements are made from the shells of crabs, lobster or shrimp -- therefore, you may wish to avoid consuming shellfish-based glucosamine sulfate if you have a shellfish allergy. However, Medline Plus indicates shellfish allergies are usually based on the meat of shellfish rather than the shell, and many people with shellfish allergies can take glucosamine sulfate without adverse reactions.

Fish oil supplements, such as cod liver oil, are commonly used to help a range of conditions from arthritis to Asperger's syndrome. Fish oil does not contain protein from shellfish flesh, which typically triggers the shellfish allergic reaction. However, molecular traces of these proteins may be present in fish oil, and there is a chance you could have an allergic reaction to fish oil if you are allergic to shellfish. The Food Allergy Initiative indicates you should avoid fish oil if you have a shellfish allergy, and may find vegetable or flax seed oils acceptable substitutes.

Sustanon is an injectable form of testosterone used as hormone replacement therapy for men with low testosterone. It is also used as hormonal treatment for trans men as part of the transitioning process from female to male. Sustanon is typically injected once every three weeks at a 1 ml. dosage. Peanut oil is present in Sustanon, so you should avoid this medicine if you have an allergy to peanuts.

Prometrium is a proprietary brand of progesterone capsule used after menopause in combination with estrogen. Prometrium is also prescribed to people whose periods stop before menopause. Prometrium lists peanut oil as an ingredient, and the manufacturers of this drug indicate that you should avoid prometrium if you have a peanut allergy.