Florajen Acidophilus

Florajen Acidophilus is a bacteria that naturally occurs in the body, mainly in the intestines and the vagina. This medicine has been used as a probiotic, or "friendly bacteria."

Florajen Acidophilus has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in treating diarrhea in children with rotavirus.

Florajen Acidophilus has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid (in children or adults) in preventing diarrhea caused by antibiotics, travel, chemotherapy, or hospitalization. This medicine is also possibly effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial vaginal infections, colic in babies, lung infections in children, skin problems in children who are allergic to milk, and other conditions.

Florajen Acidophilus has also been used to treat lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines, or vaginal yeast infections caused by antibiotics. However, research has shown that this medicine may not be effective in treating these conditions.

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 not certain whether Florajen Acidophilus is effective in treating any medical condition. The medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Florajen Acidophilus is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal compounds, and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to reduce the risk of contamination.

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

When thinking about using herbal supplements, ask your doctor for advice. You might also want to talk to a practitioner who knows about herbal or health supplements.

If you decide to use Florajen Acidophilus, 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 Acidophilus comes in capsule and tablet form, or as a vaginal suppository. There may also be powder or liquid forms available. Some dairy products, especially yogurt, contain this medicine as well.

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 Acidophilus does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

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

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.

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 Acidophilus is thought to be likely safe when taken for a short period of time.

Common side effects of Florajen Acidophilus 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 Acidophilus to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Avoid taking Florajen Acidophilus within 2 hours after you take any type of antibiotic medicine.

Do not take Florajen Acidophilus without talking to 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.