Florastor

Florastor is a special type of yeast known as Brewer's Yeast, Hansen CBS 5926, Levure de Boulangerie, and Probiotic.

Florastor has been used as a probiotic, or "friendly bacteria," to help stop harmful bacteria from growing in the stomach and intestines.

Florastor is likely effective in alternative medicine for preventing diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics or using a feeding tube. This medicine is also likely effective in treating diarrhea in babies and children.

Florastor has been used as a possibly effective aid in preventing the return of diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). However, this product may not be effective in treating the first episodes of this type of diarrhea. This medicine is also possibly effective in treating "traveler's diarrhea," diarrhea in people with HIV, and stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, lactose intolerance, and other conditions.

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

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

Florastor may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your healthcare provider. You may also want to consult a practitioner who is knowledgeable about herbal and health supplements.

If you decide to take Florastor, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

Do not take more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

You can take Florastor with or without food.

Florastor comes in capsule and powder forms.

Do not use different forms (like capsules and powder) at the same time without medical advice. You might take too much of this product.

You can swallow the capsule whole, or open it and sprinkle the contents directly onto your tongue. Drink at least 4 ounces of water or juice when swallowing the medicine.

To use the oral powder, open the packet and pour the entire contents into at least 4 ounces of water, juice, or milk. Mix this well and drink all of it immediately. To ensure you get the full dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently, and drink right away.

To make it easier to swallow, you can also sprinkle the medicine from a capsule or the powder packet into a spoonful of yogurt or applesauce. Swallow it right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later. Throw away the empty capsule.

Contact your doctor if the condition you are treating with Florastor does not improve, or if it worsens while using this product.

Store this product at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate.

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.

You should not use Florastor if you are allergic to yeast, or if you are taking an antifungal medication such as:

• clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche);
• itraconazole (Sporanox);
• ketoconazole (Nizoral);
• miconazole (Oravig);
• nystatin (Mycostatin, Bio-Statin, Nilstat); or
• voriconazole (Vfend).

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

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);
• lactose intolerance;
• if you are dehydrated; or
• if you have a central IV line (venous catheter).

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

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. A child with diarrhea should be checked by a doctor.

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

While not all side effects are known, Florastor is considered likely safe for most people when taken as directed for up to 15 months.

Common side effects of Florastor may include:

• gas, bloating; or
• constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Contact your 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 nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra Florastor to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding any limitations on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may affect Florastor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medicines you begin or stop using.