Ask the allergist is a regular feature in our newsletters where Canadian allergists answer your questions!
Please note: The allergists featured in this series answer questions on general topics, please talk to your doctor if you have questions about your own health or the health of your child.
This month, Dr. Julia Upton answers a question about milk allergy and medication.
Is it safe for someone with milk allergy to take medication containing lactose?
With milk allergy, you are allergic to the protein in milk, not the lactose, which is a sugar.
However, lactose is an ingredient in certain medications, there is a possibility of contamination with milk proteins, and the contamination can vary in each lot.
There have been reports of issues with dry powder inhalers and some medications given by intravenous (IV) injection, for example.
Overall, the risk of allergic reaction is likely very low, but not zero risk. A discussion with your allergist based on your history of milk allergy can help you determine the best option for a medication.
Learn more
Dr. Julia Upton is on staff at the Hospital for Sick Children in the Immunology and Allergy Department; and an Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. She is on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and is a member of our Healthcare Advisory Board.
Please note: Dr. Upton is answering as an individual allergist and her answers do not constitute an official position of her affiliated organizations. Her responses are for informational purposes only and do not constitute specific medical advice, recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Please talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have regarding your own health or the health of your child.
Do you have a food allergy-related question you’d like to ask an allergist? If so, send it along to us at info@foodallergycanada.ca.
Tags: ask the allergist, milk allergy