Diane’s Story

“In 2015, I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. After chemo and radiation, I had mold in my lung — aspergillus — likely from a leaky roof. I was treated with voriconazole and recovered in 2016.

Later, still feeling unwell, I found an advanced allergy lab in the UK. The report showed clear sensitivities — milk protein, milk sugar, avocado, gelatin, even iceberg lettuce. I give this report to every doctor I see.

In 2024, a new pulmonary doctor prescribed Spiriva Handihaler. After a few months, my chronic cough worsened. I found out that Spiriva Handihaler contains milk protein. My doctor had my allergy results — and still, she prescribed a med that made me sick.

After a recent bronchoscopy, they confirmed aspergillus again. I am not even sure if I ever cleared the aspergillus from 2016 because no one until now ever did a bronchoscopy to find out.  I was put back on voriconazole — the same drug that helped me years ago. But this time, I developed a severe rash, sun sensitivity, and swelling.

I later learned: This version of voriconazole contained milk sugar. My doctor had no idea. Neither did I — until I looked it up myself. And yes, there’s a milk-free powder version… but no one thought to prescribe it.

As of July 9, 2025, I’m still suffering. Blisters on my feet, rashes on my scalp, arms, and back. I’m recovering, slowly — but this should never have happened.

That’s why I’m creating this app: To help others avoid allergic reactions caused by hidden ingredients in their medications. Because no one should have to go through what I did.”

Update — Aug 23, 2025

I’ve finished four weeks of the milk-free liquid voriconazole at $208/week. My skin is still off—very dry with scaly patches, bumps, and stubborn itch. I’m hoping it settles, but today’s note is about a different discovery.

A little history. About eight years ago—after the cancer and mold episodes—an ENT started me on levocetirizine, montelukast, and two nasal sprays and I’ve stayed on them ever since. At the grocery store the other day, a cashier mentioned her nasal sprays gave her a chronic cough. I hadn’t said anything about my own 10-year cough, but it made me wonder. I stopped the two nasal sprays; it’s only been a few days and the cough hasn’t improved yet.

What I found. While building my medicine-scan app, I searched for “lactose” in the data. Up popped entries for levocetirizine and montelukast—some formulations list lactose as an ingredient. So I may have been taking lactose-containing meds for years. I also found that Fexofenadine Hydrochloride USP (Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief) appears to be lactose-free.

Honestly, I’m shocked at how often allergy products—even some homeopathic ones—contain lactose, which is such a common allergy trigger. It still doesn’t make sense to me.