This post has been sponsored by Salix Pharmaceuticals. All opinions are my own.

Hey Beauties!

Today, I’m being very real and vulnerable discussing what many women are going through but may be too embarrassed to talk about - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In my case, I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D), meaning I am always looking for a bathroom. I know, gross, - however IBS is very common in women. In fact, one study showed it affects two times more women than men. IBS-D is a complicated condition with several factors that can affect the digestive system. However, the precise cause of IBS-D is unknown. Although it may feel like there is no solution to IBS-D, there is a two-week prescription treatment option, that I highly recommend, XIFAXAN® (rifaximin), which may relieve abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with IBS-D and patients can be retreated with up to two times if their symptoms return.

INDICATION

∙ XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets are indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

∙ XIFAXAN is not for everyone. Do not take XIFAXAN if you have a known hypersensitivity to rifaximin, any of the rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any of the components in XIFAXAN.

(See additional Important Safety Information below and click here for full Prescribing Information for XIFAXAN®.)

How did I find out that I have IBS-D?

Three to four years ago my stomach was going through it. During this time, I was dealing with chronic pain in my feet, and I was taking a strong ibuprofen almost every day. My abdominal pain was so intense, and I was in the bathroom struggling with diarrhea. I went to 4 doctors and was told I just had a stomach bug. Unfortunately, when you’re a plus size person, doctors tend to blame everything on your weight and eating habits. I knew this wasn’t a stomach bug, so I went to the emergency room and found out that my intestines were extremely swollen through a CAT scan. I was told that I may have Crohn's disease, a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). I immediately went to a gastroenterologist and did a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Fortunately, I did not have Crohn's and my intestines were swollen due to the ibuprofen that I was taking for my chronic pain. However, I was diagnosed with IBS-D, which explains the constant symptoms of IBS-D. I went through testing to see if I had an imbalance in the normal healthy bacteria in my digestive system, called the microbiota, which has been found in some people with IBS-D. My test showed that I do have a bacterial imbalance. However, my doctor at the time did not recommend any type of treatment and told me that it's just something I would have to deal with. At this time, it was very clear to me that my doctor did not know much about IBS.

How did I deal with IBS-D?

Since I had been diagnosed with IBS-D and wasn’t provided a treatment, I did my own research, spoke to my nutritionist and adjusted my social life. My nutritionist told me to start doing an elimination diet and try a LOW FODMAP diet. Honestly, this was annoying. I had to keep a journal and every time I ate something I had to record my stomach’s reaction to what I ate. If I had diarrhea after eating a certain food, I would have to eliminate it from my diet. The problem was almost EVERYTHING irritated my stomach, even salads! At this point, I learned to adjust my lifestyle around IBS-D. Before noon every single day, I found myself running to the bathroom. This is when my IBS-D is most active. Therefore, if I was outside or at work, I needed to make sure a bathroom was close by. Later in the day, I was only using the bathroom after I ate any meals. If I was in the city running errands or attending events, I always knew if there was a department store nearby, because they were the public restrooms that I preferred. Sounds crazy right?! This was my life for years.

How did I find treatment for IBS-D?

Life with IBS-D became my new normal. However, during the pandemic last year, my stomach was extremely bloated. It was hard to the touch and extremely uncomfortable. This was definitely not my “normal”. I didn’t know what to do. Doctors’ offices were closed and, due to my past experience, I didn’t have much trust in them. However, I knew I needed medical attention. I did a lot of research and finally found a gastroenterologist that I really liked. Unfortunately, I could not go into the office for my appointment, but we did have a video call. During my appointment I explained my current condition and I also told him I have IBS-D. Then he asked me “How do you feel about having IBS-D?” I replied by telling him, “it is what it is,” and I adjusted my life to having the condition. He then told me that he may have a treatment option for me that may relieve my symptoms. When he told me this, I was in total shock. This was the first time I was told that there may be a treatment! I talked to my doctor about Xifaxan and how it might be a good treatment option for me. We also discussed some potential side effects like nausea and an increase in liver enzymes. I was then prescribed Xifaxan, which was such a relief for me. I was finally getting answers!

What is Xifaxan and did it work?

Xifaxan is a two-week prescription treatment that provided up to six months of relief

from IBS-D symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. A clinical trial showed symptom relief ranged from 6 to 24 weeks with an average of 10 weeks and if symptoms return, patients can be retreated up to two times. I kept track of my symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea and found that my symptoms had decreased. Xifaxan has really helped me. This has been my experience, but everyone is different. If you are dealing with IBS-D I strongly recommend talking to a doctor to see if Xifaxan is right for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

XIFAXAN is not for everyone. Do not take XIFAXAN if you have a known hypersensitivity to rifaximin, any of the rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any of the components in XIFAXAN.
If you take antibiotics, like XIFAXAN, there is a chance you could experience diarrhea caused by an overgrowth of bacteria (C. difficile). This can cause symptoms ranging in severity from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis. Contact your healthcare provider if your diarrhea does not improve or worsens.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking XIFAXAN if you have severe hepatic (liver) impairment, as this may cause increased effects of the medicine.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking drugs called P-glycoprotein and/or OATPs inhibitors (such as cyclosporine) because using these drugs with XIFAXAN may lead to an increase in the amount of XIFAXAN absorbed by your body.
In clinical studies, the most common side effects of XIFAXAN in IBS-D were nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and an increase in liver enzymes.
XIFAXAN may affect warfarin activity when taken together. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking warfarin because the dose of warfarin may need to be adjusted to maintain proper blood-thinning effect.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk to your healthcare provider before taking XIFAXAN because XIFAXAN may cause harm to an unborn baby or nursing infant.

INDICATION

XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets are indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For product information, adverse event reports, and product complaint reports, please contact:

Salix Product Information Call Center

Phone: 1-800-321-4576

Fax: 1-510-595-8183

Email: salixmc@dlss.com

Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

XIFI.0077.USA.21