Taking Align for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Week 5
Fifth Week–Packaging Issues
I’m into the second four-week sample of Align, the probiotic from Procter & Gamble that has a patented new strain of the “good bacteria.” The big news is that I can’t cope with the “days of the week” blister packaging! I just grabbed one and tore it open at the regular time in my day. It was a Wednesday, and I grabbed a Sunday or a Friday, so of course I couldn’t keep count of how many I had taken. If I had a choice, I would use the vial of capsules.
What this kind of packaging does, though, is underline that Align is something to be taken every single day. It is definitely NOT a medicine that you take when you feel bad and have symptoms. Instead, it is a supplement, to add something that your body needs. In order to be work, you need a constant supply, every day. Okay, so you don’t suddenly feel sick if you miss a day–should I try that experiment, just so I can report on it? If you go away for a weekend and leave your Align (or other PRObiotic) at home, and you have been taking it for a while, it’s no big deal to miss a couple of days.
Stop for Antibiotics?
Taking antibiotics for any reason does kill the bacteria. The jury is still out on whether you take both, or stop the probiotic. This isn’t covered in the FAQ at aligngi.com, the–now slick and glossy and attractive–Align probiotic website. I will look for more information and report back.
Good Week
Otherwise, my tummy has had a good week. So have I. They do seem to go together a lot of the time, don’t they? There is a problem with–take your pick–acid reflux, GERD, heartburn, or erosive esophagitis. This problem is NOT different from taking the NSI PRObiotic. I am now taking both Prilosec and Zantac 150mg tablets twice a day, to manage the whatever-it-is-going-to-be-called.
Coupon Code
Reminder: For commenters on any article who do request it, the promoters of Align have given me a $5 coupon code to distribute. I’m giving it out to blog readers who write in with comments on any post, and let me know that they want the promotional coupon code.
I’ve just started Align again myself and think it helps IBS. I want to stay on it for a few months at least. I would love your coupon code, since Align is rather expensive. Your blog is very well done. Its good to hear from another IBSer.
Comment by Mary | August 23, 2007
Regarding the days of the week blister pack, why don’t you take a few minutes and pop out all the tabs and put them in a vial. You don’t need so much stress! :) Just a suggestion.
Comment by Brenda | September 2, 2007
Hi, Brenda
Yes, I still have the vial marked Align from the first month on the product. I just received the next month of Align yesterday, Saturday, and am about to open every blister pack and put it into the vial. It occurs to me that the blister packs DO have the advantage that it is easy to tell when you are at the last two weeks and need to reorder.
Thanks for your comment.
All the best,
Tummyblogger
Comment by tummyblogger | September 3, 2007
I think this may be worth a try, especially with the coupon. I’ll give anything a shot at this point. I would like the coupon code.
Comment by Jenn | April 24, 2008
Hi, Jenn
Thanks for responding. I hope Align works for you. The code for ordering Align from the Align E-Store is ALIGNWOM. “AlignWOM” is actually what I entered to try it out. It does still work. Warning, though: it may take a while to arrive.
All the best,
Tummyblogger
Comment by tummyblogger | April 25, 2008