Prevpac

Prevpac (Lansoprazole, Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin)

What is Prevpac?

Prevpac is combination treatment of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. This medication treatment is used to combat bacterial infections involving H. pylori or duodenal ulcers in your gut.

Amoxicillin is a form of penicillin antibiotic. It prevents bacteria from making cell walls which are the protective covering they need to survive.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. This stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and survive.

Lansoprazole is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It prevents a bump in your stomach from making protons, which help with acid formation in your gut. Your stomach tends to be calmer when there is less acid present, so taking this medication can help with symptoms like heartburn or acid reflux.

Altogether, this course of treatment creates an inhospitable environment for H. pylori in the gut, working to ease unwanted symptoms such as stomach and intestinal ulcers, burping, nausea, and stomach pain.

How does Prevpac work?

The components of Prevpac eradicate stomach and intestinal ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori. The combination of drugs works by blocking acid production and stopping growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach to help the ulcer heal.

Treating ulcers reduces the risk of damage to the lining of the gut, including but not limited to bleeding, tearing, and blockage. This course of treatment allows the gut to heal by reducing acid and limiting production of bacteria.

Antibiotics do not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu. Prevpac should only be used to treat bacterial infections.

Dosage

A standard dosage of Prevpac is generally 1 dose of 4 pills, taken twice daily before a meal. The capsules are meant to be taken whole, by mouth. One pro of this course of medications is that it is often take in a short course of 10 to 14 days. It comes in a convenient pack form to ensure adequate dosage and comprehensive treatment.

For adults, this often includes 30 milligrams of lansoprazole, 1000 mg of amoxicillin (2 capsules), and 500 mg of clarithromycin.

Each packet of Prevpac contains the morning and evening doses of this medication. The length of treatment for this medication should be determined by a medical professional based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Taking antibiotics for an extended period or when it is not needed can cause it not to work for future infections, so it is best to take only for the duration recommended by your provider. For best results, take Prevpac at consistent times each day. Even if symptoms go away, take the medication until the full prescribed amount is complete. Stopping antibiotics earlier than recommended can cause harmful bacteria to grow, which can result in return or worsening of infection.

If you condition lasts or worsens, notify your provider as soon as possible.

Overdose

If someone experiences symptoms, namely fainting or trouble breathing, call emergency services (911) or a poison control center immediately. US resident can call 1-800-222-1222 to reach their local poison control center.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If this is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take as you usually would at your regular time. Do not double dose.

Storage & Safety

Store your prescription at room temperature. Keep it away from light and high moisture (e.g. away from your bathroom). Keep all medications out of reach from children and pets.

Do not flush or pour medications down the toilet or drain (unless you are told to do so). If this product is no longer needed or expired, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company on how to properly discard your medication.

Side Effects

When taking antibiotic medications, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting may occur. In some cases, you may also experience a bad taste in your mouth. These symptoms often subside over time as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms last or get worse, consult your provider or pharmacist right away.

Taking Amoxicillin can sometimes cause a mild rash. This is not usually serious; however it may be difficult to discern whether it is a sign of allergic reaction. Monitor the rash closely and contact a provider if it worsens.

Use of this medication for prolonged periods of time may also result in oral thrush or a yeast infection. If you notice white patches in your mouth, changes in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms, contact your doctor.

Although rare, seek medical emergency if experiencing serious allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

• itchiness
• rash
• swelling/inflammation
• dizziness
• trouble breathing

In rare instances, this medication may cause an intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This might occur during treatment or after treatment has ceased. If you develop chronic diarrhea, blood, or mucus in your stool, and/or stomach pain and cramping, notify your medical provider.

Remember that your provider has prescribed this medication because the benefits are greater than the risk of side effects. Most individuals taking this medication do not experience severe side effects.

If you do experience severe side effects such as muscle weakness, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, bruising easily, signs of lupus, tell your doctor immediately. Get medical help if very serious side effects occur, including fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, or severe dizziness.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking Prevpac, consult your doctor of pharmacist and notify them if you are allergic to lansoprazole, amoxicillin, or clarithromycin, or penicillin.

You should also notify your provider if you have a medical history that includes:

• liver disease
• kidney disease
• heart disease
• muscle disease
• infectious mononucleosis
• lupus.

Clarithromycin can cause a condition that affects heart rhythm, called QT prolongation. QT prolongation can, in rare cases, cause fast or irregular heartbeat and other symptoms such as dizziness, fainting which require immediate medical attention.

The risk of developing this condition may increase if you are taking certain medications that may also cause QT prolongation. Tell your doctor if you have a heart problem (e.g. slow heartbeat, EKG irregularities, heart failure) or family history of certain heart issues. Low levels of potassium or magnesium can also increase risk. This risk may increase if you are taking certain diuretics or experience other symptoms like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Prevpac may limit efficacy of live bacterial vaccines. Tell your healthcare provider that you are taking Prevpac prior to any vaccinations.

If you are taking birth control pills, Prevpac can reduce their efficacy. Using an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, can help with preventing unwanted conception. During pregnancy, this product should be used only when needed. If you a pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Before taking a new medication, be sure to consult with your provider on all other medications you are currently on. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or create undesired side effects. Consulting with a medical professional can help limit unwanted side effects or drug interactions that may be very risky or even fatal.

Prevpac is known to interact with the following medications:

• Methotrexate – methotrexate is strong medication taken for treatment of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Clarithromycin can slow down the removal of certain medications from your body, potentially affecting how they work. Some products require stomach acid for proper absorption, so lansoprazole may also change how products work.

Before using Prevpac, be sure to keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor or pharmacist so they can determine the right dosage for you. This includes supplements and over-the-counter medications, as they might have active ingredients that interact with the drug. Do not start, stop, or change dosages without consulting a medical professional first.