Vowst Capsules: A Potent New Pill to Prevent Recurring C Difficile Infections

Introducing Vowst: A Breakthrough Treatment for Recurrent C. Diff Infections

C. difficile, commonly referred to as C. diff, is a harmful bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. For many patients who experience repeat C. diff infections, few reliable treatment options exist beyond intensive rounds of antibiotics or invasive fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) procedures conducted via colonoscopy.

However, a revolutionary new FDA-approved treatment called Vowst aims to provide an easier, safer, and more effective solution for preventing recurrent bouts of C. diff infections. Keep reading to learn all about the Vowst prescribing information so you can discuss this innovative new treatment option with your doctor.

What Exactly Is Vowst and How Does It Work?

Vowst contains live microorganism-based biotherapeutic products (or living microbes) derived from donor fecal matter. Translated simply, it delivers fecal transplant materials in easy-to-take oral capsule form.

Unlike invasive FMT treatments that transplant fecal microbes via colonoscopy - requiring bowel prep, anesthesia, and operating suite time - patients can conveniently take Vowst capsules by mouth in their own homes. Vowst leverages the power of the healthy gut microbiome from pre-screened donors to prevent C. diff overgrowth.

Key Benefits of Vowst Pill Therapy

When compared to traditional antibiotic pills and FMT options for repeat C. diff infections, Vowst offers the following advantages:

• Greater safety and reduced risk - As a non-invasive oral treatment, Vowst poses very little risk of complications.
• Superior efficacy - With a cure rate exceeding 90% in clinical trials, Vowst prevents recurring infection better than either vancomycin or FMT treatments alone.
• Convenient at-home use - Patients simply take 2 Vowst capsules a day for 2 days, with no prep required.
• Improved gut microbiome diversity - Vowst contains microbes from rigorously screened healthy donors to replenish microbial balance.

Review of Clinical Trial Findings on Safety and Effectiveness

Vowst underwent rigorous clinical testing, with the results published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

The key results confirming the safety and efficacy of Vowst pill therapy include:

• C. diff infection cure rate exceeding 90%
• Recurrence prevented for up to 8 weeks after treatment
• Similar safety profile as placebo during trials
• Greater microbial diversity achieved compared to FMT recipients
• Effective prevention of repeat infection outbreaks

Based on the overwhelmingly positive outcomes throughout the Vowst trial phases, the treatment earned FDA approval for preventing recurrent C. diff contamination occurrences in adults.

What to Expect While Taking Vowst Capsules

The Vowst prescribing information directs physicians to have patients take the drug as follows:

• Take 2 capsules by mouth approximately 12 hours apart on each of 2 consecutive days
• Swallow the Vowst pills whole - do NOT open, crush, break or chew capsules
• Take a full course even if feeling better
• Store capsules sealed in original packet under refrigeration

Most patients tolerate the oral capsules extremely well. However, some people may experience mild side effects like temporary gas, bloating or loose stools as their gut flora changes. Always finishes the Vowst regimen unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Who Should NOT Take Vowst?

While generally very safe, physicians should NOT prescribe Vowst to patients with the following conditions or contraindications:

• History of severe allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to Vowst components or FMT materials
• Severe immunocompromise issues (e.g. HIV/AIDS) that make capsules unsafe
• Inability to complete the full course of treatment
• Presence of risk factors making FMT too dangerous

Talk to your provider if you have any concerns about whether you make a suitable candidate for Vowst capsule therapy.

Vowst Availability, Administration and Ongoing Research

Now that the FDA approved Vowst last year, availability continues expanding as physicians integrate it into recurrent C. diff treatment plans. Some key things to know:

• Requires prescription - talk to your doctor about access
• Covered by many major health insurance plans now
• Research ongoing for using Vowst for other gastrointestinal conditions
• Administered in fixed oral capsule form requiring no prep

Scientists also continue researching applications of Vowst and similar microbiome-based biotherapeutics for preventing and treating other intestinal issues like:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Crohns disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Early investigational results appear promising for expanding access to convenient at-home FMT options like Vowst for additional gastrointestinal, autoimmune and even mental health conditions in the years ahead.

The Takeaway: A Potent New Tool for Stopping Recurrent C. Diff Misery

For sufferers of chronic and repeat bouts of C. diff illness, the FDA approval of Vowst offers fresh hope for a better quality of life. Now patients can rebalance their gut microbiome from home through this innovative oral capsule therapy.

If you struggle with recurrent C. diff problems even after multiple antibiotic treatments, be sure to talk with your physician to learn if Vowst presents a viable option. With over a 90% cure rate and excellent safety profile established through rigorous trials, this breakthrough pill-form fecal transplant intervention could help you live C. diff free.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.