Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a type of bacteria that naturally occurs in the body, mainly in the intestines. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been used as a probiotic, or "friendly bacteria," to help stop harmful bacteria from growing in the stomach and intestines.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG 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 option for treating colic in babies, and for preventing diarrhea in children that may happen while taking antibiotics.

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

Other conditions where lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is possibly effective include treating irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or bacterial vaginal infections. This product may also reduce the risk of lung infections in children who go to daycare centers.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has also been used to treat Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance, or vaginal yeast infections. However, research has shown that lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may not work 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 certain if lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is effective for treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG should not replace any medication prescribed by your doctor.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal compounds, and some supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. It is important to buy herbal/health supplements from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may also be used for other purposes not listed in this product guide.

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

If you decide to take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, 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.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG can be taken with or without food.

If you have trouble swallowing 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. Take it right away. Do not save the mixture for later. Throw away the empty capsule.

If you are taking lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to prevent traveler's diarrhea, start taking it 2 or 3 days before your trip and continue taking it daily during your travels.

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

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is available in capsule form, and other forms may also be available. Some dairy products, especially yogurt, may also contain lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Do not use multiple forms of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG at the same time unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to. You may end up taking too much if you combine different forms.

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 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 instructions on the product label and package.

Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

Before using lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, speak with your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use lactobacillus rhamnosus GG if you have certain medical conditions, especially:

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

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

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

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

While not all side effects are known, lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed.

Common side effects of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may include:

• stomach bloating or gas.

This is not a full list of side effects, and others may happen. 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Dietary Supplement:

For general use as a dietary supplementDose: 1 capsule per dayConcurrently with antibioticsDose: 1 capsule twice a day throughout antibiotic therapy and for one week after antibiotic therapyTravelingDose: 1 capsule twice daily throughout the tripIt is best to start 2 to 3 days prior to travel.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dietary Supplement:

Dose: One-half to one capsule per day.Open the capsule and stir the contents into a cool drink or mix into baby food or applesauce.

Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to replace the missed dose.

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

Do not take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG within 2 hours before or after taking any medicine, especially an antibiotic. Some antibiotics can make lactobacillus rhamnosus GG less effective.

Do not take lactobacillus rhamnosus GG without talking to your doctor if you are using any medications 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 medications 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.