DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Lactase Capsules and Tablets (LAK-tase)
Brand Name: Examples include Lactaid and SureLac

Lactase is used for:

Helping you consume dairy foods without gas, cramps, bloating, or diarrhea.

Lactase is an enzyme. It works by helping the digestion of milk sugar.

Do NOT use Lactase if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lactase

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lactase :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lactase . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lactase . However, no specific interactions with Lactase are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lactase may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Lactase :

Use Lactase as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Swallow Lactase with the first bite or drink of dairy product.
• If you continue to consume foods containing dairy after 20 to 45 minutes, take another tablet.
• If you miss a dose of Lactase , take it as soon as possible.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lactase .

Important safety information:

• Lactase is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 4 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is unknown if Lactase may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Lactase , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Lactase during pregnancy. It is unknown if Lactase is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking Lactase , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Lactase :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Lactase . Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Lactase :

Store Lactase at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep Lactase out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Lactase , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Lactase is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Lactase . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.