Based on FDA | Does fluoxetine contain egg-derived ingredients or pose a risk for people with egg allergies?

Fluoxetine and Egg Allergy: What You Need to Know

Fluoxetine (brand examples include Prozac) does not contain egg-derived ingredients in standard U.S. oral formulations, and it is generally considered safe for people with egg allergies. Instead, common excipients (inactive ingredients) include components like gelatin capsules, starch/sucrose “sugar spheres,” shellac, talc, titanium dioxide, coloring oxides, polysorbate 80, and similar pharmaceutical additives; none of these are egg proteins. ^[1] If you have a very specific excipient sensitivity, pharmacists recommend confirming the exact ingredient list for your particular manufacturer and strength, because inactive ingredients can vary by brand and dose. ^[2]

Key Takeaways

• Fluoxetine’s usual oral capsules and tablets do not include egg or egg protein. ^[1]
• Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer; you can ask your pharmacist for the exact ingredient list for your product. ^[2]
• Egg allergy considerations for medicines mainly arise when products are produced using egg or contain egg proteins this is not the case for standard fluoxetine. ^[3]

What’s in Fluoxetine Capsules?

Most U.S. fluoxetine capsules use a gelatin shell and pellet-style “sugar spheres” inside that carry the drug. Typical excipients listed for fluoxetine capsules include cellulose, magnesium carbonate, methacrylic acid copolymer, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, shellac, simethicone, starch, sucrose, sugar spheres, talc, and titanium dioxide; capsule shells usually contain gelatin and colorants such as iron oxides and FD&C dyes. ^[1] These ingredients are not derived from egg and do not contain egg protein. ^[1]

Why Label Checks Still Matter

Even though egg is not used in standard fluoxetine products, inactive ingredients can vary by manufacturer and dose, and pharmacies may switch suppliers. ^[2] Medication guides advise users with allergies to review ingredient lists and discuss with their pharmacist or prescriber if there are concerns about specific excipients. ^[2] This is especially important for people with highly sensitive dietary or excipient restrictions, because pharmaceutical labeling may not always highlight every potential source in the same way food labels do. ^[3]

Egg Allergy Risk Context

Concerns about egg allergy most often come up with vaccines historically grown in egg-based systems (for example, certain influenza vaccines), but even those have become much safer for egg-allergic individuals and often no longer require special precautions. ^[4] By contrast, fluoxetine is a synthetic oral medication and is not manufactured using egg-based biological materials, so the typical “egg allergy” warning does not apply. ^[1]

Practical Steps for Egg-Allergic Individuals

• Ask your pharmacist for the printed ingredient list for your exact fluoxetine product and strength. Pharmacists can provide the package insert or manufacturer’s inactive ingredient list on request. ^[2]
• If you have a history of reacting to specific excipients (for example, certain dyes, gelatin, or polysorbate), discuss alternatives; a different manufacturer or dosage form may suit you better. ^[3]
• Report any unexpected allergic symptoms (hives, swelling, breathing issues) promptly; while egg exposure is not expected, rare reactions to other excipients can occur, and alternatives can be arranged. ^[3]

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Summary Table: Egg Allergy and Fluoxetine

Topic	What to Know	Source
Egg-derived ingredients in standard fluoxetine capsules	Not present; common excipients include gelatin capsule, starch/sucrose spheres, shellac, talc, titanium dioxide, dyes	[1]
Variability of inactive ingredients (by brand/strength)	Can vary; confirm with pharmacist and check product-specific labeling	[2]
General risk for egg-allergic users	No specific egg-related risk expected with standard fluoxetine	[1]
Rationale for caution in special diets/allergies	Some patients may react to non-egg excipients; compounding or alternative manufacturers may help	[3]

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Bottom Line

Based on ingredient listings for commonly available oral formulations, fluoxetine does not contain egg-derived ingredients and typically does not pose a risk for people with egg allergies. ^[1] Because inactive ingredients can vary, it’s sensible to confirm the exact excipient list for your specific manufacturer and strength with your pharmacist and let your prescriber know about any severe excipient sensitivities. ^{[2] [3]}