Rebyota
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.
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 Brands | Rebyota |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Microbiota |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription 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
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):
Get your GoodRx coupon
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.
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
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 single-dose | 1 carton | $9,495.45 | $9,495.45 |
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.