[Annlee523]

Revlimid and lactose intolerance

by Annlee523 on Sat Jun 06, 2015 4:33 pm

Has anyone experienced lactose intolerance with Revlimid?

I had severe abdominal cramps until my myeloma specialist suggested taking Lactaid with the Revlimid. While this helped somewhat, avoiding lactose foods has helped the most. I am now on a mission to identify as many lactose alternative foods as possible!

[jhorner]

Re: Revlimid and lactose intolerance

by jhorner on Tue Jun 30, 2015 3:30 pm

Hello Annlee523,

I believe abdominal pain is not unheard of as a side effect of Revlimid but I also wanted to point out that immune problems cause inflammatory immune responses to food proteins and casein, found in dairy products, is known to generate one of the worst inflammatory responses. I am immune deficient and I feel much better avoiding casein.

It may not be the Revlimid but instead the Myeloma that is causing your symptoms.
Best
J

[Rneb]

Re: Revlimid and lactose intolerance

by Rneb on Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:52 pm

Many standard drug formualries contain "inert" items, including lactose, whey, milk powder, etc.
Usually not enough to cause problems, but a surprising component that is placed throughout the food chain in western countries. Excipients--they are called.

"Examples of inactive ingredients that are have been reported to cause reactions in some patients include: sulfites, benzoates, aspartame, saccharin, oleic acid, benzyl alcohol, lactose, soya lecithin, propylene glycol, and sorbitan trioleate. Patients who have allergic or adverse reactions to certain inactive ingredients may be able to use products that are color- or preservative-free."
--from Drugs.com

I'm sure that Revlimid itself, plays a role in my GI tract Issues. However, dexamethasone hits me much harder--that is why I avoid it, if at all possible.

Gee, If I only knew my "excipients" better,...my gravy would prolly not suck so badly !??