Culturelle Health and Wellness

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

Culturelle Health and Wellness 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 way to treat colic in babies and to prevent diarrhea in children that may happen while taking antibiotics.

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

Other conditions for which Culturelle Health and Wellness is possibly effective include treating irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or vaginal infections caused by bacteria. This product may also reduce the risk of lung infections in children who go to daycare centers.

Culturelle Health and Wellness has also been used to treat Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance, or vaginal yeast infections. However, research has shown 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 Health and Wellness is effective for treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. This medicine should not be used instead of medications prescribed by your doctor.

Culturelle Health and Wellness is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements sold have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Culturelle Health and Wellness may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

When considering herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You may also want to consult someone who is trained in using herbal or health supplements.

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

Culturelle Health and Wellness can be taken with or without food.

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

If you are using Culturelle Health and Wellness to prevent traveler's diarrhea, start taking it 2 or 3 days before your trip. Continue taking it daily during your trip.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens while using Culturelle Health and Wellness.

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

Do not use multiple forms of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at the same time unless your healthcare provider has advised you to do so. Using different forms together may lead to taking too much of this product.

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

You can also store this product in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

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

Follow all directions on the product label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before using Culturelle Health and Wellness, speak with your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this medicine if you have certain medical conditions, especially:

• short bowel syndrome; or
• a weak immune system (due to disease or certain medications).

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

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

While not all side effects are known, Culturelle Health and Wellness is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed.

Common side effects of Culturelle Health and Wellness may include:

• stomach bloating or gas.

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

Skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra Culturelle Health and Wellness to replace the missed dose.

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

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

Do not take Culturelle Health and Wellness 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.