Research Center: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Location:330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States
Lead Researcher: Anthony Lembo, MD
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the BIDMC IRB 

Chronic diarrhea is a condition that causes loose stools that last for at least 1 month. Most people experience diarrhea at some point in their lives, but what differentiates chronic diarrhea from other forms of diarrhea is that it lasts longer. When left untreated, people with chronic diarrhea may experience dehydration, weight loss, and other health problems that may affect their quality of life.
Researchers are continually looking for ways to help. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a new potential treatment. This new potential treatment, called Crofelemer, is a natural supplement that is FDA-approved for other forms of diarrhea but not for chronic diarrhea. This potential treatment may help relieve symptoms and may help improve the quality of life.

• Participants will receive a natural supplement that is FDA-approved for other forms of diarrhea at no cost. This potential treatment option is a botanical medication.
• This research study is being conducted by a Harvard University-affiliated hospital. 
• Participants may experience improvements in their chronic diarrhea symptoms. 
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with chronic diarrhea in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance gut health research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Men and women aged 18 to 65 with chronic diarrhea.
• Must have had a colonoscopy in the last 10 years if over 50 years old
• Must be experiencing loose stools.
• Must not have a history of alcohol abuse within the past 5 years
• Must not have had Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, celiac disease, diverticulitis 
• Must be able to attend 4 study visits at the research site over approximately 10 weeks

• The potential natural supplement (tablet) will be taken twice daily for 4 weeks.
• Participants will not make any significant changes to their diet and lifestyle during the study.
• Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires about their gastrointestinal (stomach and gut) symptoms.