Lansoprazole/amoxicillin/clarithromycin (By mouth)

Introduction:

Treats a stomach infection (H pylori) that causes ulcers. This medicine is a combination of an antacid and two different antibiotics.

Brand Name(s):

Prevpac

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet, Delayed Release Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not chew, crush, or break any of them.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, before a meal.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with this combination of medicines. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using astemizole (Hismanal®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), chloramphenicol, digoxin (Lanoxin®), iron, ketoconazole (Nizoral®), tetracycline, theophylline, or Viagra®.
• It is important for your doctor to know if you use any of the following: a blood thinner such warfarin (Coumadin®), a sulfa drug, a heart rhythm medicine, a sedative such as Xanax® or Halcion®, ergot medicine such as Cafergot® or Wigraine®, or medicine to lower cholesterol, such as Lipitor® or Zocor®. Tell your doctor if you use medicines to treat HIV/AIDS, such as Agenerase®, Crixivan®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Retrovir®, Sustiva®, or Viracept®.
• Make sure your doctor knows about all other antibiotics you are using, especially ampicillin, azithromycin (Zithromax®) or erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab®, E-Mycin®).
• If you are also taking sucralfate (Carafate®), you should take the medicines in Prevpac® at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics (such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin, Ceftin®, Keflex®) or any other medicines.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bad taste in your mouth.
• Change in the color of your teeth or tongue.
• Headache or stomach pain.
• Nausea.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: