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

Florastor has been used as a probiotic, or "friendly bacteria," to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Florastor is likely effective in alternative medicine as an aid in preventing diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics, or by 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 recurrence 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 not proven with research have included 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. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Florastor is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place 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 minimize the risk of contamination.

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

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.

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your healthcare provider. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to take Florastor, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

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

You may take Florastor with or without food.

Florastor is available in capsule and powder form.

Do not use different formulations (such as capsules together with powder) at the same time without medical advice. You may get too much of this product.

You may 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, tear open the packet and empty the entire contents into at least 4 ounces of water, juice, or milk. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

To make swallowing easier, you may also sprinkle the medicine from a capsule or from the powder packet into a spoonful of yogurt or applesauce. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.

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

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

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:

• 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.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra Florastor to make up the missed dose.

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

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

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

Although not all side effects are known, Florastor is thought to be likely safe for most people when used 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 occur. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect Florastor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.