The risk of C. Diff Recurrence
*These are the most common recurrent C. diff symptoms but not all possible symptoms.

C. diff can come back, even after being treated with
an antibiotic—this is called a recurrence.
C. diff can happen to anyone, but there are certain factors that
can increase your risk of it coming back:
While antibiotics can kill C. diff bacteria,
they are a main risk factor for getting a recurrence
C. diff comes back in
about 1 in 4 people (25%).
For those 1 in 4 people, once it comes back,
your risk of recurrence increases up to 65%
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
Understanding C. diff recurrence can help with your medical care. Answer 4 questions to test your knowledge.
TAKE THE QUIZRecurrent 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
INDICATION
What is VOWST?
VOWST is a prescription medicine used to prevent Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection from coming back in people 18 years of age or older after antibiotic treatment for C. diff infection has been completed.
VOWST is not intended for treatment of C. diff infection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not take VOWST at the same time as antibiotics. VOWST contains live bacteria and antibiotics can interfere with VOWST.
Swallow each capsule whole. DO NOT crush, chew, or break the capsule. See Patient Information for complete information about how to take VOWST.
The most common side effects of VOWST are:
These are not all the possible side effects of VOWST. Call your doctor for medical advice on side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/MedWatch.
Before taking VOWST, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you: have kidney disease because you may not be able to take the magnesium citrate laxative; or have any other medical conditions now or have had before, are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Click here for Patient Information and Prescribing Information.
Test your recurrent C. diff knowledge!
The correct answer is FALSE.
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:
Question 2 of 4: TRUE OR FALSE
Antibiotics are a main risk factor for getting a C. diff recurrence.
The correct answer is TRUE.
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.
The correct answer is TRUE.
About 1 in 4 people experience a C. diff recurrence.
Question 4 of 4: MULTIPLE CHOICE
After your C. diff has recurred 2 times, your risk of it coming back again increases to:
The correct answer is UP TO 65%.
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*:
*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.
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