Brand name:

Prevpac

Why is Prevpac prescribed?

Prevpac is a prepackaged combination of drugs designed to cure duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria, the most common source of ulcers. With two antibiotics and an acid-blocking agent, Prevpac will eradicate the H. pylori infection and improve your odds of remaining ulcer-free. This type of therapy is usually reserved for people with an active ulcer and those who've had one for at least a year.

Most important fact about Prevpac

Prevpac will work only if you take all Prevpacs as prescribed and finish your entire course of therapy. If you stop too soon, the ulcer may not heal completely and your symptoms may return.

How should you take Prevpac?

Each pack contains a full day's supply of medication, consisting of two 30-milligram capsules of lansoprazole (Prevacid), four 500-milligram capsules of amoxicillin, and two 500-milligram tablets of clarithromycin (Biaxin). Take half the supply in the morning and the remainder at night. Prevpac can be taken with or without food. Swallow each pill whole; do not crush or chew.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Prevpac side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Prevpac.

• Side effects may include:
  Diarrhea, headache, taste disturbances

Why should Prevpac not be prescribed?

You cannot use Prevpac if you've ever had an allergic reaction to antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, penicillin, or Biaxin. Also avoid Prevpac if you've had a reaction to a cephalosporin-type antibiotic such as Ceclor, Duricef, and Keflex.

While on Prevpac therapy, be sure to avoid taking cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, and terfenadine. Combining any of these drugs with Prevpac could cause serious heart irregularities.

Special warnings about Prevpac

Serious and occasionally fatal allergic reactions have occurred in people taking antibiotics similar to the ones in Prevpac. Seek emergency medical treatment if you develop symptoms such as hives, swelling, itching, fainting, breathing difficulties, or chest pain.

If you develop severe diarrhea after taking Prevpac, call your doctor. Prevpac therapy is not recommended if you have severe kidney disease. Use Prevpac with caution if you are over 65 years old.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Prevpac

If Prevpac is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prevpac with the following:

Alfentanil (Alfenta)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Ampicillin
Antiarrhythmic heart medications such as quinidine (Quinidex) and disopyramide (Norpace)
Astemizole
Blood-thinning pills such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as lovastatin (Mevacor) and simvastatin (Zocor)
Cilostazol (Pletal)
Cisapride
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Ergotamine-based drugs for migraine such as Cafergot, D.H.E. 45 Injection, Ergostat, and Migranal Nasal Spray
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Hexobarbital
Iron supplements
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Midazolam (Versed)
Probenecid
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Pimozide
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Terfenadine
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote)

You should also check with your doctor before combining Prevpac with any drugs used to treat HIV infection.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not use Prevpac during pregnancy. The Biaxin component can harm the developing baby. You should also avoid Prevpac while breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Prevpac

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Prevpac, seek medical attention immediately.