HeliMet (discontinued in the UK - August 2005)

How does it work?

This medicine contains a combination of three different medicines. The Zoton capsules contain lansoprazole, which is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor. The Klaricid tablets contain clarithromycin, which is a type of antibiotic. The metronidazole tablets contain metronidazole, which is a different type of antibiotic. This combination of medicines is taken as a one week course to eradicate a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) from the gut. H pylori bacteria are associated with most stomach and duodenal ulcers. Eradicating the bacteria with this course of medicines helps to heal duodenal ulcers and prevent them coming back.

Clarithromycin is a type of antibiotic known as a macrolide. It works by entering the bacterial cells and interfering with the production of proteins that the bacteria need to divide and multiply. It doesn't directly kill the bacteria, but leaves them unable to increase in numbers. The existing bacteria eventually die or are destroyed by the immune system.

Metronidazole works by entering the bacterial cells and binding to their genetic material (DNA). This prevents the cells from making new genetic material, which leaves the bacteria unable to multiply. Metronidazole therefore acts in a different way to stop these bacteria from increasing in numbers.

Lansoprazole aids the action of clarithromycin and metronidazole by creating an environment in the gut where they can work effectively against the H pylori bacteria.

Lansoprazole works by inhibiting the action of proton pumps. Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach, and are used by these cells to produce stomach acid. By inhibiting the action of the proton pumps, lansoprazole reduces the production of stomach acid. This helps the antibiotics work. It also helps duodenal ulcers to heal.

The eradication of the H pylori and the reduction in stomach acid also helps to prevent duodenal ulcers from recurring.

What is it used for?

Eradicating H pylori bacteria from the gut of people with a duodenal ulcer, allowing the ulcer to heal and preventing it coming back

Warning!

The symptoms of stomach cancer are similar to the symptoms of peptic ulcers. For this reason, if your doctor suspects you have a peptic ulcer, he should exclude the possibility of stomach cancer before prescribing treatment with an anti-ulcer medicine. Otherwise the anti-ulcer medicine could mask the symptoms of the stomach cancer and delay its diagnosis. It is particularly important that stomach cancer is ruled out before you start this medicine if you are middle-aged or older and have new or recently changed indigestion symptoms.

Treatment with this medicine may lead to a slightly increased risk of stomach infections such as salmonella, due to the decreased acidity in the stomach.

If you experience diarrhoea that becomes severe or persistent or contains blood or mucus, either during or after taking this medicine, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Metronidazole may rarely cause drowsiness or dizziness. You should take care when performing potentially hazardous activites, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how metronidazole affects you and are sure you can perform such activities safely.

You should not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole, and for at least 48 hours after finishing the course, as this can cause unpleasant symptoms such as hot flushes, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache and palpitations.

The Zoton capsules, Klaricid tablets and metronidazole tablets should be taken before your morning and evening meals. They should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this medicine, even if you feel better. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the ulcer will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotics.

HeliMet has not been studied in children and is not recommended for children.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)

Not to be used in

Allergy to macrolide type antibiotics, eg erythromycin

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

HeliMet should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Lansoprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole may pass into breast milk. HeliMet should be avoided during breastfeeding unless the benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Avoid alcoholic drink whilst taking this medication.

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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