CLL and probiotics

[Horsechestnut]

Hi all, I am currently on Amox/Clav aka Augmentin for a diverticulitis attack. Usually, I'd take a probiotic concurrently. But I see some indication that CLL patients must be cautious with probiotics. I am currently watch and wait, stage 0.

[albie58]

Hi!

When I have been on that antibiotic I usually eat yogurt a d have had no issues.

[Horsechestnut in reply to albie58]

I'd prefer to do yogurt but am on clear liquids for now

[annmcgowan]

Hi I use probiotics for IBS on W & W and now in treatment. I asked for advice from my haematologist and was happy for me to continue. I would ask your specialist their opinion,

Ann

[blowinginthewind in reply to annmcgowan]

This is relevant to me - Because of CLL and massive family history of bowel cancer, I have been having cameras etc. Thankfully not cancer, I found out this morning. I think it is IBS, and I can't have buscopan for various reasons. So probiotics might be an option for me, I will ask Haematologist when I see him in a couple of weeks.

[annmcgowan in reply to blowinginthewind]

That’s wise, we are all different and at different stages of our disease. I had been using them for many year prior to be diagnosed.

Good luck

Ann

[SofiaDeo]

If you are not severly neutropenic, probiotic foods should be fine. If you are in W&W I am assuming your neuts are low/near low normal. I would be surprised if your doctor thought you were one of the patients where the risk is greater than the benefit.

[Horsechestnut in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thank you!

[flipperj]

My CLL specialist specifically mentioned probiotics as being helpful for GI issues related to treatment. The risk with probiotics is limited to a few of the spore formers and it is a small one at that. Our GI tract is already home to trillions of microorganisms some of which are potentially pathogenic. For me, the risk of overgrowth of existing pathogenic organisms greatly outweighs the risk of adding some beneficial organisms during and after antibiotic treatments.

[DriedSeaweed]

Last month when I was on the venetoclax ramp up I was on augmentin for a period. I would have yogurt or probiotic yogurt at a time distant from the antibiotic dose. I had no adverse effects.

[GumboKing]

I have CLL as well as Crohn's disease (for abt 65years). Gazava pretty much knocked out my Crohn's abt 10 years ago. Constipation resulted. I now take probiotics, California Gold - 90cfu per day) and have no further problems. My MDA doc doesn't have a problem with it.

Paul

[Horsechestnut in reply to GumboKing]

I have Align right now because I had to just grab something. I will check put California Gold. Thank you.

[bennevisplace]

I would have said much the same as SofiaDeo above, and indeed I avoided live cultures only when my neutrophils fell below 1 (during and following treatment, as advised). Live yogurts, unpasteurised cheeses, kimchi, etc never gave me any problems.

However, this is a more considered answer to your question, a reply to a post 9 years ago healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

[Cllsller]

I take probiotics for IBS and diverticulitis. I am on Venetoclax for Cll and Sll. I have not had any issues so far.(started the Venclexta a few months ago) I highly recommend both and wish you the best.

[Big_Dee]

Hello Horsechestnut

I have had diverticulitis and do not take any probiotics per se for it, but do take daily Probiotic Fiber Powder and have not had any issues since with diverticulitis. My CLL doctors know that I take probiotics powder in water daily. Blessings.

[Horsechestnut in reply to Big_Dee]

Hi, can you please tell me the name for the powder.

[Big_Dee in reply to Horsechestnut]

Hello Horsechestnut

I am currently taking Walmart "equate" brand "Fiber Powder" which is cheaper than the "Benefiber" I used to take and same results. Blessings.