Side Effects of Candex

Yeast infections are among the most annoying of all gynecological problems. The itchiness and discharge are difficult enough to deal with, but the messiness of many remedies such as creams and suppositories are almost as bad as the infection itself. In an attempt to combat this, pharmaceutical companies such as Pure Essence Laboratories have developed treatments that are taken orally, including Candex.

What is Candex?

• Candex is an oral supplement containing enzymes that digest fiber. The cell walls of candida albicans---the most common cause of yeast infections---are made mostly of cellulose, a fiber. The manufacturer claims that this approach keeps the infection from becoming resistant, because candida cannot change the structure of its cell walls to become impervious to the treatment.
  Pure Essence Laboratories also claims that because Candex is an enzymatic treatment rather than an antifungal one, there are no "die off" reactions such as chills, headache, muscle pain and fever when it is used.

What is Candida?

• Candida albicans is a type of yeast that occurs naturally in the body. The name "candida" comes from the Latin meaning "clear and white," which may refer to the appearance of the infection when it manifests as thrush, and to the discharge it causes in vaginal infections.
  According to womenshealth.gov: "Yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women have one during their lives. And almost half of women have two or more vaginal yeast infections."

How is It Used?

• Candex is taken orally in the form of capsules, twice a day, with water. The manufacturer's guidelines state that it can take between seven and 30 days to clear up the infection completely.
  Because killing c. albicans can upset the balance of intestinal flora, it is recommended that you take probiotics at the same time.

Clinical Trials

• Almost all websites selling Candex claim that "clinical trials prove" that it works. Because Candex is sold as a dietary supplement, it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any condition.
  In 2002, the Progressive Medical Group conducted a study of 52 patients and concluded that most saw a positive result with little or no ill effects. This study was not subjected to peer review, however, and has not been published in medical journals or otherwise verified.
  As of August 2009, a search of the United States National Library of Medicine website produced no evidence of clinical trials or articles on either the efficacy or side effects of Candex.

Side Effects

• Given the lack of approved clinical trials, all information is anecdotal. Candex is said to cause mild nausea, but much less so than that often caused by traditional antifungal treatments.
  People taking time-released drugs that are dispensed in cellulose-based capsules should avoid Candex and other fiber-digesting medications. If the capsules are dissolved all at once, the dosage won't be released slowly over time as prescribed.