Drugs & Vitamins

Lactrase Active Ingredients: Lactase Representative Names: Dairy Ease, LactAid, Lactrase, SureLac What are Lactase chewable tablets, tablets, caplets, or capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Lactase? What side effects may I notice from receiving Lactase? What should I watch for while taking Lactase? Where can I keep my medicine? What are Lactase chewable tablets, tablets, caplets, or capsules? (Back to top) LACTASE (Dairyease®, Lac-Dos®, Lactaid®, Lactrase®, RiteAid® Dairy Relief™, Surelac®, Walgreens® Dairy Digestive™) is an enzyme that aids in the digestion of lactose. Lactose is a sugar is found in dairy products such as ice cream, cheese and milk. When the lactase enzyme is not present, lactose intolerance can occur after eating dairy foods and cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating and gas. Lactase supplements can break down lactose and relieve symptoms related to lactose intolerance. Lactase supplements are available without a prescription from many different manufacturers. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •phenylketonuria (chewable lactase tablets may contain phenylalanine) •an unusual or allergic reaction to lactase, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to become pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) Take lactase chewable tablets, tablets, caplets, or capsules by mouth with the first bite of a meal or drink that contains dairy products. Chewable tablets may be chewed prior to swallowing. You may take lactase with each dairy-containing meal or drink. Do not take lactase too early or the stomach will breakdown the enzyme and it will not be effective. It may take a trial to see what dose of lactase reduces your symptoms best. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) Missing a dose is not harmful, but you may experience lactose intolerance symptoms to some degree if the meal contains dairy foods. If you forget to take lactase with the first bite of food, you can take it during the meal. What drug(s) may interact with Lactase? (Back to top) •No drug interactions have been documented between lactase and other medications. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent use of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Lactase? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •there are no known serious side effects from taking lactase Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •report any perceived unusual effects What should I watch for while taking Lactase? (Back to top) Lactase should decrease symptoms of lactose intolerance such as diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating and gas. Consult your health care professional should you experience unusual symptoms. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Keep away from heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:02/07/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.