Lactose intolerance affects up to 50 million Americans, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This disorder causes a variety of digestive symptoms that occur when you consume specific products, such as milk, UMMC continues. Certain medicines, including birth control pills, also contain lactose, a substance responsible for causing digestive discomfort in some people.
Lactose Intolerance
In most people, the small intestine produces the enzyme lactase. This substance helps break down lactose, a type of milk sugar. Lactose intolerance refers to the insufficient production of this enzyme. A lactose tolerance test or hydrogen breath test can help confirm the diagnosis of lactose intolerance. This condition makes it difficult to digest lactose, causing symptoms that include diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea and cramps. Lactose intolerance generally develops over time, although some cases of this disorder occur as a result of digestive diseases or injuries that affect the small intestine. Many products, such as instant potatoes, margarine, bread, salad dressings and candies, contain hidden sources of lactose. And UMMC warns that lactose provides the base ingredient for up to 20 percent of all prescription drugs.
Ortho-Novum
Ortho-Novum is the brand name for a type of contraceptive pill that contains estrogen and progestin, both female hormones that help control and regulate reproductive cycles. Although it is a type of contraceptive, your doctor may prescribe Ortho-Novum for reasons other than birth control. Medications that contain estrogen can help relieve the signs of menopause, treat vaginal inflammation and prevent bone loss. Using this medication may increase your risk of myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, cerebrovascular diseases, certain reproductive cancers, ocular lesions and gallbladder disease.
Ingredients
Ortho-Novum pills contain lactose as one of the inactive ingredients. Depending on your level of sensitivity to lactose, consuming this medication may cause you to experience the common symptoms of lactose intolerance. In accordance with the dosage and type of Ortho-Novum your doctor prescribes, your pills may also contain varying amounts of other inactive ingredients, such as dyes, magnesium stearate and cornstarch.
Considerations
Tell your doctor about any symptoms you experience when taking Ortho-Novum or other prescription medicines. If you are lactose intolerant, your doctor may decide to prescribe a different type of oral contraceptive that doesn't contain milk products.
