Medication or Pills to Eliminate Ostomy Odor | Ask Laura

Q: Hi Laura,
Can you tell me of any medication or pills I can take that eliminate or lessen odor? It seems to be worse in the mornings. I am going on vacation with friends and it can be very embarrassing.

Thank you,

Julie

A: Hi Julie,

There are pills you can take to lessen odor. The most popular option among people with stomas is called Devrom. It comes in a capsule or tablet. I would always ask your doctor about any new medications or pills you take before deciding to use them.

You can also try to control the odor by adding parsley, yogurt, kefir or other odor neutralizing foods into your diet. Remember, foods like fish, eggs, onions, and garlic can cause ostomy output to be more odorous. This doesn’t mean you have to avoid them, but just some food for thought.

There are also products that can eliminate odor. Ostomy pouch deodorant is a great option! You simply drip a couple drops into the pouch when you change your bag and every time after you empty; that’s it! There are many different options when it comes to odor eliminators, but I have two favorites: Hollister’s M9 drops, and Securi-T’s Lubricating Gel Deodorant.

I carry them around in my purse and use them every time I empty my ostomy bag. I also like to carry around a small air freshener (they carry perfect sized air freshener to keep in your purse at Yankee Candle) just in case I forget to use my odor eliminating drops.

Lastly, one of my new favorite options is called Poo-Pourri, which you simply spray into the toilet before emptying the pouch. The essential oils create a film that captures the smell underneath the water!

I hope this helps! Have a wonderful vacation!

-Laura

You can also read a longer article that Laura wrote about Odor Management with an Ostomy.

For more information, see related ostomy FAQ articles and resources here:

• Stomas and Seat Belts | Ask Laura
  
• High Elevation and Ostomies | Ask Laura
• Ostomy Pancaking | Ask Laura
• Ostomy Terms Explained | Ostomy Glossary
• Recorded Webinar: Ostomy Buzz – The Latest in Ostomy Management

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