What is this medication?

LACTASE (LAK teys) treats lactose intolerance. It works by replacing an enzyme (lactase) normally made by the body. This helps your body break down the sugar found in milk products (lactose).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lac-Dose, Lactaid, Lactaid Fast Act, Lactrase

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• An unusual or allergic reaction to lactase, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package labeling, or take as directed by your care team. Take with the first bite of dairy food. Do not take this medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can during the meal. This medication will not treat symptoms once you have them.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

See your care team if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Herbal or dietary supplements are not regulated like medications. Rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. The purity and strength of these products can vary. The safety and effect of this dietary supplement for a certain disease or illness is not well known. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:

• Always read product labels and follow directions.
• Natural does not mean a product is safe for humans to take.
• Look for products that include USP after the ingredient name. This means that the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.
• Supplements made or sold by a nationally known company are more likely to be made under tight controls. You can write to the company for more information about how the product was made.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Keep away from heat. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.