So about 4-5 days ago I started taking Lactaid with my Sprycel. I discovered that Sprycel has Lactose in it. I have a milk allergy and while researching the side effects I was having I kept coming back to GI related issues (pain in upper abdomen, pressure in chest, bronchial irritation). For a long time I was concerned it was pulmonary but more and more I kept coming back to GI. That was when I discovered the Lactose. My milk allergy is atypical (that shouldn't be a surprise). I can have dairy items without much of an issue, but my allergy shows up in allergy testing and if I have dairy continuously I will start to get sick with typically a stomach ache. When that happens I know to back off the dairy. Now the amount of lactose in the Sprycel really shouldn't be that much but if taking it everyday continuously it may be enough to cause a problem. So I started with the Lactaid and I have cut dairy back out of my diet and my side effects have improved significantly in a short period of time.
So is this too good to be true? I checked with my doctor and he said it was ok to take the Lactaid. I of course am paranoid and wondering are my side effects diminishing because I have addressed the root of the problem or is the lactaid blocking the Sprycel all together. I am going to try and call in to Bristol Meyers and see if they have any feedback. For now I actually feel pretty good on 70mg. Some skin rash, minor fatigue, still a little GI issues, but much less than before. If this is the issue, I could stay on Sprycel and would feel like I have a pretty good quality of life.
