Report raises C. diff concerns; yeast-based probiotic shown to help significantly reduce recurrence

CDAD is usually indicated by severe abdominal pain, diarrhea with mucous and blood passage, and fever. Dr. Raymond advises those exhibiting these symptoms to see a physician immediately to be tested for the presence of the C. diff toxins and to be prescribed proper antibiotics, since over-the-counter anti-diarrheal agents should be avoided.

“Traditional OTC anti-diarrheal products actually slow down the speed of fluids moving through your bowels, and, in the case of C. diff, keeping the bacteria in the bowels is actually a bad thing,” she adds.

Healthcare practitioners are advised to adhere to strict hand-washing policies in offices and hospitals to help prevent the spread of this and other types of bacteria.

Florastor has shown in more than 50 years of extensive international use to be safe and effective, with an estimated 1.7 billion daily doses sold to date. It is mentioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in the management of C.diff-associated disease.3

After recently undergoing voluntary testing, Florastor has been named to the list of Approved Quality products on ConsumerLab.com, the leading provider of independent test results and information to help consumers and healthcare professionals evaluate health, wellness and nutrition products.

Florastor is available in most retail chain pharmacies, and at independent pharmacies. It can be purchased in bottles of 10 capsules for a suggested price of $9.95, or 50 capsules for a suggested price of $39.95. Florastor Kids is available in a box of 10 powder packets (which can be mixed with applesauce or beverages, including infant formula) for a suggested price of $11.95, or in a 20-packet box for a price of $19.95.

Visit www.florastor.com to find out where to purchase Florastor in your area. It is commonly found in the anti-diarrheal/stomach aid section, and can also be obtained by asking the pharmacist (many stores keep Florastor the product behind the counter). It can also be purchased online at www.newtimrx.com/florastor.html.

1McFarland, L.V. (2006). Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic- associated diarrhea and the treatment of Clostridium difficile disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 101, 812-822.

2Huebner, E.S., & Surawicz, C.M. (2006). Treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile diarrhea. Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2, 203-208.

3Saccharomyces boulardii: a valuable adjunct in recurrent Clostridium difficile disease" (1995) WHO Drug Information; 9;(1); 15-16.