Where do the microbes in Rebyota (fecal microbiota) come from and are they safe?

Each Rebyota (fecal microbiota) dose is sourced from stool that's been donated by humans. Each donor and dose of Rebyota (fecal microbiota) goes through [strict testing and screening](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/information-pertaining-additional-safety-protections-regarding-use-fecal-microbiota-transplantation) to make sure Rebyota (fecal microbiota) is safe. But because Rebyota (fecal microbiota) comes from human fecal matter, there's a possibility that it might carry a risk for infection, though the risk is low. Let your provider know right away if you feel sick or have a fever after a dose.

Rebyota

fecal microbiota

Used for Gastrointestinal Infection

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Alternatives References Prices Medicare

Rebyota (fecal microbiota or fecal microbiota live – jslm) is used to prevent Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection from coming back after the initial infection has already been treated. It's a microbiome-based treatment made up of a mix of important microbes that help maintain gut health. Rebyota (fecal microbiota) is a solution that's given rectally as a one-time dose at the provider's office. Some side effects of this medication include stomach pain and bloating.

Reviewed by:

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Connie Zheng, PharmD

Last reviewed on October 31, 2023

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Alternatives References Prices Medicare

What is Rebyota (fecal microbiota)?

What is Rebyota (fecal microbiota) used for?

To prevent additional Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adults, after initial treatment

How Rebyota (fecal microbiota) works

In a healthy gut, there's a mixture of different bacteria (as well as other microbes) that are important for your well-being. When this mixture is out of balance, you're at risk for serious gut infections, like C. diff infections.

Rebyota (fecal microbiota) is made up of different gut bacteria. It's thought to work by restoring the right balance of bacteria needed for a heathy gut.

Drug facts

Common BrandsRebyota

Drug ClassMicrobiota

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Rebyota (fecal microbiota)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Stomach pain (9%)
Diarrhea (7%)

Less Common Side Effects

Bloating
Passing gas
Nausea

Rebyota (fecal microbiota) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat

Source: DailyMed

The following Rebyota (fecal microbiota) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

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Pros and cons of Rebyota (fecal microbiota)

Pros

Given once as a single dose
Treatment only takes a few minutes
No laxatives or bowel prep is needed beforehand

Cons

Must be given rectally (into your rectum), so might feel uncomfortable
Given by a healthcare provider at their office
Might cause stomach pain and diarrhea as side effects

Pharmacist tips for Rebyota (fecal microbiota)

Be sure to use the restroom before receiving Rebyota (fecal microbiota) to make sure you're as comfortable as possible. Your provider will ask you to lie down for 15 minutes after your dose.
Rebyota (fecal microbiota) can cause stomach related-side effects, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and bloating. These can occur up to 2 weeks after your dose. If you experience these side effects, it doesn't necessarily mean that your C. difficile infection has come back. Talk to your provider if the side effects are severe, worsens, or if they last longer than 2 weeks.
Rebyota (fecal microbiota) works to help prevent your C. difficile infection from coming back. But, if you experience 3 or more loose bowel movements within a 24-hour period for 2 days in a row after receiving Rebyota (fecal microbiota), contact your provider. This could be a sign that your C. difficile infection has come back and you need a different treatment.
Avoid taking any oral (by mouth) antibiotics for up to 8 weeks after receiving Rebyota (fecal microbiota), unless your provider tells you to.
Let your provider know if you've any food allergies before you take Rebyota (fecal microbiota). It's possible that Rebyota (fecal microbiota) might contain some food allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction. If you have food allergies, you provider can to you about monitoring for symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Common questions about Rebyota

No, Rebyota isn't an antibiotic. It's a mixture of microbes that's given to help maintain your gut health after you've taken antibiotics to treat your C. difficile infection.

Rebyota is given rectally at the provider's office. Before the dose, your provider will first ask you to go use the restroom, so that your bladder and bowels are empty. Then, you'll lie down, either on your left side or kneeled with your rear end in the air. Your provider will insert a tube gently into your rectum (just inside the anus) and deliver your Rebyota dose over several minutes. You'll need to remain lying down for up to 15 minutes to help lessen any cramping.

No. You don't need to take a bowel prep, avoid eating, or require any anesthesia before your provider gives you Rebyota.

Each Rebyota dose is sourced from stool that's been donated by humans. Each donor and dose of Rebyota goes through strict testing and screening to make sure Rebyota is safe. But because Rebyota comes from human fecal matter, there's a possibility that it might carry a risk for infection, though the risk is low. Let your provider know right away if you feel sick or have a fever after a dose.

In a clinical study, 71% of people who took Rebyota were free from repeat C. difficile infections 2 months after treatment, compared to 58% of people who received placebo. Of those who had success with Rebyota, about 90% remained free from C. difficile infection after 6 months.

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Risks and warnings for Rebyota (fecal microbiota)

Rebyota (fecal microbiota) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Possible risk of infection

Rebyota (fecal microbiota) is made with strict manufacturing standards to make sure its free from viruses or other germs that can make you sick. But because it's made from human fecal matter, there's a chance it carries a risk for infection. If you develop a fever or signs of an infection after your Rebyota (fecal microbiota) dose, contact your provider right away. Your provider will also report this to the company who makes Rebyota (fecal microbiota).

Possible risk of allergic reaction

Similarly to the risk above, there's a chance your Rebyota (fecal microbiota) dose might contain a food allergen since it's made from human fecal matter. For example, if you have a serious kiwi allergy and the donor for Rebyota (fecal microbiota) recently ate a kiwi, there's a chance you could have an allergic reaction. To be safe, tell your provider about all of your allergies before your dose, and they'll likely monitor you for any potential reactions after your Rebyota (fecal microbiota) dose.

Rebyota (fecal microbiota) dosage

The average cost for 1 carton of 1 single-dose of Rebyota (fecal microbiota) is $9,040.92 with a free GoodRx coupon.

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
1 single-dose	1 carton	$9,040.92	$9,040.92

Typical dosage for Rebyota (fecal microbiota)

Rebyota (fecal microbiota) is given as a single dose at your provider's office, typically 1-3 days after your last dose of antibiotics for C. difficile.

The typical dose is 150 mL delivered into the rectum over a few minutes.

How much does Rebyota (fecal microbiota) cost?

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Rebyota (brand)

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What are alternatives to Rebyota (fecal microbiota)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rebyota (fecal microbiota). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Rebyota (fecal microbiota)

Used for:

To prevent additional Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adults, after initial treatment

$9,040.92Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Zinplava (bezlotoxumab)

Used for:

Prevention of another C. diff infection (CDI) in high-risk adults who are taking antibiotics for CDI

View prices

References

Best studies we found

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Know the signs and symptoms of infection.

Ferring B.V. (n.d.). Rebyota™ support & resources.

Ferring B.V. (n.d.). What is Reybyota™?

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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