Florajen

Florajen is a type of bacteria that is naturally found in the body, mainly in the intestines and the vagina. This medicine is used as a probiotic, often called "friendly bacteria."

Florajen has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective treatment for diarrhea in children caused by rotavirus.

Florajen has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective way to prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics, travel, chemotherapy, or hospitalization in both children and adults. This medicine may also help with irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial vaginal infections, colic in babies, lung infections in children, skin issues in children who are allergic to milk, and other conditions.

Florajen has also been used to help with lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines, or vaginal yeast infections due to antibiotics. However, studies suggest this medicine might not be effective for these issues.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include treating indigestion, urinary tract infections, intestinal problems in premature babies, high cholesterol, lyme disease, cold sores, acne, cancer, the common cold, and other conditions.

It is unclear if Florajen is effective for treating any medical conditions. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. This medicine should not replace any medication prescribed by your doctor.

Florajen is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal products do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements have been found to contain harmful metals or other drugs. It's important to buy herbal/health supplements from trustworthy sources to reduce the risk of contamination.

Florajen may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult someone trained in herbal or health supplements.

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

Florajen comes in capsule and tablet forms, or as a vaginal suppository. Powder or liquid forms may also be available. Some dairy products, especially yogurt, also have this medicine.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

Do not use different forms of lactobacillus acidophilus at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with Florajen does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store Florajen in a sealed container as directed on the product label, away from moisture, heat, and light.

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

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• short bowel syndrome; or
• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

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

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical 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, Florajen is thought to be likely safe when taken for a short period of time.

Common side effects of Florajen may include:

• bloating; or
• gas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor 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 close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra Florajen to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Do not take Florajen within 2 hours after you take any type of antibiotic medicine.

Do not take Florajen without consulting your doctor if you are using any medications that can weaken your immune system, such as:

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

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