I had the same issue as MJ. I purchased Culturelle 2x Extra Strength 20 count from CVS pharmacy. It was $35.99. Looking for a better price, I checked out Amazon and found it for $16.99 so I was happy, but then I read MJ's post. I still ordered the Culturelle from Amazon. When it came in on February 12 2017, I checked it against my CVS purchased box. MJ was right on the color. Mine definitely were lighter purple however they didn't smell odd to me. Nonetheless I was a little freaked out. I contacted Culturelle directly and gave them my LOT # and date to double check. The lady told me that the lighter capsules are the new ones - On the new box in the lower left corner you will see "Once daily vegetarian capsules". The word "vegetarian" was added and she says that's the color of the capsule is lighter now. The ones I purchased from CVS are actually older and she said that the new ones will all be like these. She assured me that my lot number and dates were good. If you're in doubt, call the company - the number is right on the box. Thanks MJ for making me aware to check. I've heard about "knock off" drugs and cosmetics etc. so I try to be vigilant.

These are truly amazing. Been going to doctors for my stomach issues for years and I finally tried these and my digestive system is working better than ever. If you are having issues with bloating, stomach pains, and irregular bowels, get this.

This is about the only thing that can really help with my IBS. I encourage others to try it! Thanks!

When a product is deserving of a review then I am all game in taking 15 mins out of my day to write one; and this product is worthy of 50 reviews. So here we go:<br /><br />Back in June I was put on Flagyl and Cipro. Both very strong antibiotics in their own right. Bacteria called Clostridium difficile (or C. difficile) are a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. They can cause severe diarrhea and an infection called pseudomembranous colitis.<br />---Not good because this is what happened to me from taking too many antibiotics. On top of the antibiotic induced colitis, I also have severe Crohns with 5 ft of small intestines removed and over 1/3 of the large with chronic diarrhea associated with what little healthy intestines are left.<br /><br />Moving on to August, I am put on Flagyl alone due to my intestines never quite recovering from the June course. Again, I am struck with severe pain and an extreme increase in bowel movements. I almost couldn't get through the full dose but I just managed to. (This course did help reverse the damage done from the June course but not completely)<br /><br />At the end of October, my Crohns disease is at a mild state, but I get a bad infection in my toe and after 2 weeks of it getting worse I am put on another course of antibiotics, this time Cephalexin. My Intestines again pay the price and about 5 days into my course I couldn't take it no more so I do a quick Google search of the best probiotic claims out there. Culturelle came up #1. I go to Amazon and buy immediately!! Mind you I have tried many many probiotics before and because I have Crohns disease I could never find one that either worked or made me feel better. Usually either I never felt anything or I would get much much worse from the aggravation of the products irritating my intestinal lining.<br /><br />When I received these it was about 4 days after starting my course of antibiotics. I commenced taking them immediately as I was once again in severe pain from the major flare up caused by all these antibiotics. To my surprise I got better within 2-4 days and I continued to take the probiotics. I did not know for sure if it was the probiotics or a fluke chance of good luck. But no worries, my guess is going to be put to the test.<br /><br />Fast foward: It is November 12th and as I am writing this, I am here to say that once again I was put back on another course of antibiotics on the10th (no, the toe never healed and I dont want it chopped off....jk) This time I was put on a high dosage of Clindamycin. It has only been 2 days but my Crohns is doing very well and I have no intestinal cramps or pain like I usually do. Im thinking these things actually work!!<br /><br />I will give another update in 2 weeks, as this product says to use 10 days after you stop the antibiotics. But so far I am extremely happy with this product. I only wish I found it sooner. Wishing my gut luck!! See you guys soon with an update.

They were discolored and had a strange smell. The one on the right is the correct color (purchased from a drugstore). The one on the left is the on purchased from Amazon. This product was not eligible for return.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor<br /><br />However, I recommended this to my friends because this probiotic works. I have family/friends with IBS, constipation, what have you and I always say to take extra strength Culturelle because the product works in a couple days. Culturelle helped me through my entire pregnancy and there should be more studies of benefits taking probiotics. I've tried other products in the market, and nothing comes close to Culturelle because Culturelle seems to have a balance in the overall health vs targeting one particular organ which might not always work.<br /><br />The pills are small so easy to swallow and I prefer the extra strength to see a stronger proven results for myself and my family/friends. The only thing I wonder is how dependent my body could be to Culturelle.