Medications
You can get results from a vivaBALANCE test if you are taking medications. You'll have an opportunity to input which medications you’re taking in our lifestyle survey, and this will be considered when your test recommendations are generated. Some short-term medications, such as antibiotics and antivirals, can affect your microbiome. There's more information on those types of medications below. Do not discontinue any medications before talking to your healthcare provider.
Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics—both prescription and herbal—will affect your vivaBALANCE test results. This does not mean you cannot complete a test, it is simply something to be aware of.
vivaLAB will capture the state of your microbiome at the time of testing. If a sample is taken directly after a course of antibiotics, recommendations will be focused on reestablishing your microbial ecosystem. The 6-months follow up re-test will enable you to monitor your progress, and subsequent recommendations will be aimed at improving and maintaining the new balance.
If you are not looking for that level of guidance, you can wait to complete a test. It's up to you. If you choose to wait to collect your samples, we recommend waiting at least 3 months after your last antibiotic dose.
Note: that antibiotics can affect the microbiome for up to a year after taking them, but testing three months after should show a significant difference.
Antivirals and Antifungals
For courses of antivirals/antifungals, we recommend waiting 3–4 weeks after your last dose before collecting your sample(s) for the vivaBALANCE test.
Disclaimer: A healthy, balanced microbiome is critical in maintaining wellness and plays a role in many conditions. As a wellness company, we cannot diagnose, mitigate or treat symptoms or diseases. The foods recommended (or excluded) and supplements are designed to optimize the environment in the microbiome, and the result is intended to affect your general wellness positively. vivaLAB does not take the place of a primary care provider.
