Lactose intolerance and taking prescription tablets containing lactose

[SmoothSeasDoNotMakeGoodSailors]

I've been taking new tablets for about 3 months now that have lactose in. It was fine to start off with but for the past month I have been reacting badly to the lactose in them. I'm taking a lactase enzyme supplement before them but it doesn't always work. I spoke to a pharmacist a couple of weeks ago who gave me an own brand immodium - which I found out later also contains lactose. I went to another pharmacy after and she told me there are no non-lactose diarrhea tablets and just to keep myself hydrated. I've asked my GP to prescribe non-lactose prescriptions which she has said I need to talk to my pharmacist about. I'm going in circles and not getting any better, in fact worse. I'm losing weight (hey, every cloud) but this can't continue. Does anyone have any advice? I'm so miserable and everything I eat, whether it contains lactose or not is sending me rushing to the loo :(

No advice but wanted to give you a wave. I'm "dairy intolerant" (NHS) and also take meds with lactose. I have constant ongoing digestive issues, which might not happen if they made the darn things without milk extracts. It sounds as though, unlike me, you've got a real problem with it! Are you actually allergic to lactose, d'you think?

The only approach is to consult your doctor, which you have done - and, of course, to nag a little if nothing happens. You can't have your meds making you malnourished

Imodium doesn't contain lactose, according to the manufacturer.

Thanks for your post @GarlicGrace . Maybe I need actual immodium then rather than the non-brand. I'll look into it. I'm going to try and get a GP appointment next week as I'm so miserable with it. I wonder why they need milk extracts? Just musing!

Can you eat with them?

I can tolerate small amounts of lactose as part of a meal, so a Sunday roast I'll eat the Yorkshire pudding but I don't eat Yorkshire puddings on their own.

I also wonder whether the active ingredient is getting in to your body or is it being washed out before it is digested.

Lactose intolerance here too! Ask your doctor for liquid Imodium. It’s only available on prescription, raspberry flavour, and has no lactose