Probiotics

I use Visbiome. It’s the most high-level and effective, but it does take a prescription. For those with pouches, more is better.  They recommend one to two packets a day. Sadly, it’s expensive. Each box of 30 packets costs $158, but it’s worth a try. If you type that word in, you’ll find it. You can have it shipped monthly for free.

This is great, thanks so much! I don’t mind paying for something that will help me feel good. I really appreciate your recommendation!

My gastro recommended "ALign" that is the number one maintenance recommended drug but I heard mixed reviews on it but mainly good reviews on it.

I never taken probiotics because I am a vegetarian- vegetarian/vegan diets are high in probiotics and prebiotics so a plant based diet is healthy for us and better for the animals!!!! Win Win situation!!! Vegetarian for over 9 years and never had pouchitis

Hi,

I take VSL #3 capsules. Two a day. I order directly from the manufacturer. It is expensive. The more you order the cheaper it is. Originally my GI Doc gave me samples and coupons.

All the best to you!

Thank you! I’ll definitely look into all of these options. I appreciate the help!

I use Visbiome - I take an extra-strength packet (900 billion CFU) twice a day. As others have said, both Visbiome and VSL #3 (they are quite similar) are expensive if used in meaningful doses. The extra-strength Visbiome does require a prescription, but the lower strengths do not. My pharmacy searched a bunch of discount programs and got the cost of 60 extra-strength packets (a one-month supply for me) down to around $270.

The main purpose of bacterial probiotics for J-pouchers is the prevention of pouchitis, and possibly some help with managing it.

How did you get the price down? I need to go up to 1 1/2 pouches at least per day. You did get a little knocked off. I don’t know if it tells below, but I got my pouch 6/20/2000. Only had pouchitis once. I take the probiotic to thicken my stool a bit, mixed results.

Probiotics are a very expensive way to manage stool consistency. I’d suggest something like psyllium as an effective, inexpensive approach. You can tinker with the dose to find out what works best for you.

The Wegman’s pharmacy did a bunch of looking around to help me find a “reasonable” price. Some pharmacies will make that effort and some just won’t.

Thank you!