Alpha-gal Syndrome and Impact on Patient Safety
Podcast | April 28, 2026
Reading time: 13 mins
Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging and often underrecognized allergy triggered by a tick bite that can cause delayed reactions to red meat and mammalian-derived products. In this episode, host Stacy Lauderdale is joined by clinical experts Zack Stacy and Kyna Henrici to unpack the science behind alpha-gal, its implications in healthcare settings, and the operational challenges providers face in managing this complex condition.
Guest Speakers:
Zachary Stacy, Pharm.D., MS, FCCP,
BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Surgery
BJC Health
Kyna Henrici, RN
Medical Evidence Director - Cardiovascular
Vizient, Inc.
Host:
Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D., BCPS
AVP, Evidence-Based
Medicine
Vizient, Inc.
00:05 – Introduction
- Podcast introduction and welcome to VerifiedRx
00:14 – What is alpha-gal syndrome
- Overview of alpha-gal syndrome
- Delayed allergic reactions after eating red meat
- Often linked to tick bites
00:48 – Meet the Guests
- Zack Stacy, clinical pharmacy specialist
- Kyna Henrici, medical evidence director
01:10 – Understanding the Allergy
- Alpha-gal is a carbohydrate in nonprimate mammals that can trigger an allergy in humans
- Key difference is delayed reaction timing
- Symptoms are not always easy to trace
01:32 – How It Develops
- Triggered by tick bites
- Immune system produces IgE antibodies
- Oral exposure to alpha-gal leads to delayed reactions
- IV exposure to alpha-gal can cause immediate reactions
02:17 – Prevalence and Diagnosis Challenges
- More common in Midwest and southern United States
- Likely underdiagnosed
- Often mistaken for general food allergies
- Allergy may fade over time
03:07 – Risks in Healthcare Settings
- Patient safety concerns beyond food
- Mammalian components in medications and devices
- Examples include heparin and surgical materials
03:44 – Hidden Medication Risks
- Inactive ingredients can be animal derived
- Examples include glycerin, lactose, amino acids, stearates
- Difficult to identify and track
04:42 – Lack of Transparency
- No centralized ingredient database
- Sourcing can change frequently
- Variability across manufacturers and batches
05:33 – Screening in Surgical Settings
- Medication review at NDC level
- Identification of active and inactive ingredients
- May require contacting manufacturers
06:45 – Timing Challenges
- Urgent procedures limit investigation time
- Manufacturer responses may take days
- Alternative medications often needed
07:14 – Identifying At Risk Patients
- Many patients are unaware they have alpha-gal syndrome
- Screening includes questions about dairy tolerance
- Three patient categories used for evaluation
08:32 – Using Dairy as a Screening Tool
- Dairy tolerance helps guide risk level
- Food exposure typically higher than medication exposure
- Determines need for deeper review
09:12 – Managing Emergencies
- Focus shifts from avoidance to risk mitigation
- Use of team communication and clear documentation
- Preparation for unavoidable exposure
10:03 – Prevention and Preparedness
- Stock alpha-gal safe medications when possible
- Prepare for allergic reactions with standard treatments
10:47 – Team Based Care Approach
- Collaboration across care teams is essential
- Premedication strategies may be used
- Close monitoring for reactions
11:11 – Gaps in Care
- Limited visibility into product ingredients
- Need for better labeling and transparency
11:33 – Need for Standardization
- Call for clearer guidance and clinician education
- Desire for centralized resource for medication ingredients
12:24 – Monitoring Challenges
- CDC tracking decreased after privatization of testing
- Cases likely still increasing
12:53 – Closing Remarks
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