Recurrent C. diff has historically been treated with antibiotics alone
but when used alone, antibiotics do not address the imbalance that can cause it to return
but when used alone, antibiotics do not address the imbalance that can cause it to return
The role of antibiotics in C. diff
Antibiotics are important because they kill C. diff bacteria that cause your infection, but they may further disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can lead to C. diff coming back.
Your intestine is full of trillions of bacteria that make up the gut microbiome
Why the balance of good and bad bacteria is important
In a healthy gut microbiome, good and bad bacteria are balanced
But if your gut gets disrupted, your body’s natural defense against C. diff is weakened
This causes some people to get C. diff again and again
Good bacteria
Bad bacteria
Taking VOWST after antibiotics can help prevent C. diff from returning
See clinical study results, side effects, and more
People sometimes think C. diff is caused by something they ate. While “bad food” doesn’t cause C. diff, there are certain factors that can increase your risk of C. diff coming back, including:
Taking antibiotics
Being 65 years of age or older
Staying in a hospital or nursing home
Having a weakened or suppressed immune system
Use of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for acid reflux
Being exposed to C. diff germs
Question 2 of 4: TRUE OR FALSE
Antibiotics are a main risk factor for getting a
C. diff
recurrence.
While antibiotics can kill
C. diff
bacteria, they are a main risk factor for getting a recurrence. In fact, most cases of
C. diff
occur while you’re taking antibiotics or not long after you’ve finished taking antibiotics.
Up to 65% of people who have had
C. diff
recurrence at least 2 times will get it again. When
C. diff
comes back you may recognize some common symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you are having*:
Frequent, uniquely bad-smelling diarrhea
Painful stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea and loss of appetite
*These are the most common recurrent C. diff symptoms, but not all possible symptoms.
YOU ANSWERED
OUT OF 4 QUESTIONS CORRECTLY!
Thank you for completing the quiz. Understanding C.diff recurrence can help with your medical care.