Culturelle Digestive Health

Culturelle Digestive Health is a type of bacteria that is naturally found in the body, mainly in the intestines. This medicine is used as a probiotic, or "friendly bacteria," to help prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the stomach and intestines.

Culturelle Digestive Health has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective way to treat or prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus in babies and children.

This product has also been used as a possibly effective aid for treating colic in babies and for preventing diarrhea in children that may happen while taking antibiotics.

In adults, Culturelle Digestive Health is possibly effective in preventing diarrhea during a hospital stay, while receiving chemotherapy, or when traveling to foreign countries ("traveler's diarrhea").

Other conditions for which Culturelle Digestive Health is possibly effective include treating irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or bacterial vaginal infections. This product may also help lower the risk of lung infections in children who go to daycare centers.

Culturelle Digestive Health has also been used to treat Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance, or vaginal yeast infections. However, research indicates that this medicine may not be effective for these conditions.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include treating cold sores, urinary tract infections, high cholesterol, indigestion, cold symptoms, and boosting the immune system.

It is not clear whether Culturelle Digestive Health is effective for treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. This medicine should not replace any medication prescribed by your doctor.

Culturelle Digestive Health is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal products, and some supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal or health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Culturelle Digestive Health may also be used for other purposes that are not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You may also want to consult a professional who knows about herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to take Culturelle Digestive Health, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not take more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Culturelle Digestive Health can be taken with or without food.

If you have trouble swallowing a capsule whole, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents into a spoonful of baby food or applesauce to make it easier to swallow. Swallow it right away. Do not save the mixture for later. Throw away the empty capsule.

If you are taking Culturelle Digestive Health to prevent traveler's diarrhea, start taking it 2 or 3 days before your trip. Continue taking it daily for the duration of your trip.

Contact your doctor if the condition you are treating with Culturelle Digestive Health does not improve or worsens while using this product.

Culturelle Digestive Health comes in capsule form. Other forms may also be available. Some dairy products, especially yogurt, contain this medicine as well.

Do not use multiple forms of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at the same time, unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so. You may end up with too much of this product if you use different forms together.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep each capsule in its foil blister pack until you are ready to use it.

You may also keep this product in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Do not use this product if the blister foil covering the capsules is torn.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

Before using Culturelle Digestive Health, consult your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this medicine if you have certain medical conditions, particularly:

• short bowel syndrome; or
• weak immune system (due to a disease or the use of certain medicines).

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not give any herbal or health supplement to a child without a doctor's advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, Culturelle Digestive Health is thought to be likely safe for most people when used as directed.

Common side effects of Culturelle Digestive Health may include:

• stomach bloating or gas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use extra Culturelle Digestive Health to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take Culturelle Digestive Health within 2 hours before or after taking any medicine, especially an antibiotic. Some antibiotics can make this medicine less effective.

Do not take Culturelle Digestive Health without talking to your doctor if you are using any medicines that weaken the immune system such as:

• cancer medicine;
• steroid medicine (prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others); or
• medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other medicines may interact with lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.