Prevpac and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Joe...
• March 30, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I’m on day 9 of this horrible medicine. It’s horrible to me because I got hit with side effects of diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, followed by anxiety and even an episode of depression, which I’m still recovering from. It’s scary to deal with, but I haven’t had heartburn since beginning this and have been able to eat. Before taking the medicine, the infection made me not even want to chew. It is very rough, but I’m almost at the end, and that’s what’s helping me pull through all this. Some tips are to take a probiotic like lactobacillus to help with diarrhea (it’s helped somewhat for me), and avoid any acidic foods, sugars, and salty stuff. I’ve searched through many other reviews of this medicine to make sure I’m not the only one with anxiety and panic attacks. If you take this medicine and go through serious anxiety, please talk to someone about your thoughts, it’ll help. Before this medicine, I’ve never had anxiety or depression. Those side effects are killing me."

• DMa...
• November 24, 2015

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am a 31-year-old female. I was given Prevpac to get rid of H. pylori, which was the underlying cause of my chronic gastritis and terrible pain and discomfort in my chest from reflux and inflammation. I just completed the 14-day Prevpac kit. This treatment definitely works, and I feel 100% better now that it's over. It takes time for it to fully kick in, though. I started feeling relief at day 5 and felt 100% better at day 10. To me, my experience wasn't as bad as some of the reviews I read prior to starting the medication. Based on suggestions I read, I took a daily probiotic, which helped a lot with the side effects, so I recommend that. The one constant symptom was the metallic taste in my mouth, especially when first waking up. But all I had to do was drink something, and it went away. I had diarrhea a couple of times, but nothing extreme. A few stomach aches/cramps as well. At the very end, I developed a little yeast infection (which can happen when taking antibiotics), but I easily got rid of it with over-the-counter meds. The side effects are very bearable. Overall, the most annoying thing for me was having to take so many pills at once and in one day and also the cost. After my insurance paid their part, I paid $75, which to me is a lot. But the packaging said before insurance it was about $750."

• Fin...
• August 15, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Reading these reviews, and at least, good to know I'm not the only one who has struggled with H. Pylori. Saw multiple doctors...all brushed it off. Was finally scheduled for an upper endoscopy. Prior to the appt, felt the worst ever. Symptoms over months had progressed from stomach pain and acid reflux (managed with 40 mg Prilosec twice a day) to fatigue, burping, chest pains, liver and spleen pain, feeling confused and delirious, diarrhea. Finally, a walk-in clinic doctor ordered a stool sample test. I'm on day 3 of Prevpac and feeling better. Metallic taste in the AM but goes away. Loading up on probiotics...highly recommended. Definitely need to take with food. I'll have to retest in about a month, but hoping this works! Best of luck to everyone!!!"

• sca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2013

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was positive for H. Pylori. I was nervous to start this 14-day therapy of medicines, but I toughened up and went for it. I am on my second day of Prevpac. I have some symptoms. The first day I took it, about 2 hours after, I felt tired, along with a metallic taste in my mouth. I ate right after I took it and drank plenty of water. The taste went away fairly quickly in the morning, however, in the evening, I got the same symptoms, but the metallic taste was worse. I just kept drinking water. This morning, I woke up with loose stools. Also, for some reason, I have been having an increased appetite. I guess it's a good thing considering I haven't been eating. I am a 27-year-old. I will keep you updated."

• JEB...
• August 25, 2017

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Don't be afraid to take the Prevpac for H. pylori. I have suffered for a month with pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. I'm on only day 3 of a 14-day treatment, and I am almost back to my old self again! Many people complain about the side effects, but all I have experienced is a slight metal taste in my mouth at times - so worth being almost well."

• pur...
• June 20, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I've completed my 7-day Prevpac treatment. I did have side effects after the first day of starting the course of medicines. I experienced a racing heartbeat, slight breathlessness, and diarrhea, only for a few hours, though. But I was absolutely unable to sleep the first night of taking the pills because of the bitter taste in my mouth when I lay down. The bitterness was the one thing that bothered me all the 7 days. Thank goodness that the course is over now. However, the major symptom that I had was severe bloating (firm near the upper abdomen), and it is still there with no visible changes. My GP says it will take time to see results, say at least 2 months. Waiting for the 2 months to fly ASAP, fingers crossed!"

• Ron...
• October 15, 2013

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was diagnosed with H. pylori a year ago and finally did Prevpac. I've had terrible diarrhea since starting - took my last dose today. Generally, my stomach was always churning, and the diarrhea was consistent while on the treatment. No other side effects, energy levels were fine, and I was able to work out daily. Hopefully, H. pylori is gone."

• Mel...
• May 9, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "For the first week, I was in excruciating pain: nausea, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, sweating, insomnia, confusion, extreme exhaustion and fatigue, battery acid taste in my mouth, etc. I reached out to my doctor and pharmacist who offered absolutely no help. Through research, I found that taking probiotics/yogurt helps with EVERYTHING, stay as hydrated as you can. I ate a lot of ramen noodles to compensate for actual food/water since my appetite was nonexistent. I didn't think I was going to be able to finish the treatment. If I test positive again, I'm going with natural remedies."

• Nek...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was diagnosed with HP and am on day 6 of treatment. I have extreme insomnia, a very bad taste in my mouth all the time, no matter what I do, have stomach pain and gas I can't seem to pass, did have diarrhea on the first couple days of treatment but now constipated. I want to feel better soon."

• MJE...
• November 11, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have had ulcers, stomach pain, and digestive issues for 6 years. Doctors were no help, always prescribing PPIs or H2 blockers. An emergency doc gave me Prevpac. I have experienced minimal side effects. I had diarrhea once so far. I'm on day 9, and I have been taking a 50 billion probiotic at lunch and a 20 billion probiotic at bedtime. My 50 billion probiotic has to be refrigerated. Overall, I am feeling pretty good. No stomach pain, and my bowel movements are normal for the first time in my life. Even though I hate antibiotics, this one seems to be working well. I will, however, wean myself off the Previcid to avoid rebound acid. Oh, and all meds affect me, but this one is okay. Anything is better than what I have had to deal with over the years."

• tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was tested for the dreaded H. pylori, and the doc said I had a high amount in my gut. I was prescribed the triple therapy, all prescribed separately, so the cost was generic - $22 with insurance. I dreaded starting this regimen from all the horrific reviews - but I'm on day 2, and so far so good. I do have some explosive diarrhea at times, churning stomach, mild headache, and very tired. I'm hoping the rest of the 12 days will go this smoothly. I'm on holiday break, so I'm taking the time off - I don't see how someone could work a stressful or manual labor job on these drugs. I did take all the advice from this forum - I am taking two Align probiotics a day with several glasses of kefir and yogurt and eating small veggie meals and crackers - nothing acid, spicy, or carb-heavy."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2015

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 3 out of 14, and I am so miserable. I don't want to continue it, but I have to :'( I pass really stinky gas, horrible diarrhea, nausea, feeling tired most of the time, but worst of all is the weird taste in my mouth. Oh God, when I wake up to it... Probably the reason why I feel so nauseated. Drinking a lot of water, eating candy (tiny M&Ms that come in bottles. For some reason, it helped me... weird, I know), and Listerine PocketPaks all help me with the disgusting, nasty taste so far. I hope it's worth it. I give it a five because of the side effects, but the treatment better be a 10... I sure hope it's worth it :'((("

• Tam...
• July 9, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I will take this medicine the rest of my life if it means no more bacteria. I know that's an exaggeration. I have had diarrhea every day, which is burning my skin around my anus. I can live with anything as long as I'm on the right path to recovery. The diarrhea occurs all day long, without much time to get to the bathroom. But I expect many bowel movements since I'm ridding myself of a digestive bacteria. I highly recommend this medicine pack, with positive thoughts of 100% recovery in my near future."

• Hur...
• May 11, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Day 5. My neck hurts and my back and chest hurt, and it's hard to breathe. I have insomnia and no appetite, diarrhea, and chills every time I take it. I remember the Dr. saying some people's bodies can't handle it - if you feel weak, then skip a dosage and start again. Doesn't stop the side effects. Along with all that, I have headaches and a shooting pain in my left arm from time to time. I also feel weak and even dizzy, along with a sore throat that's red in places. I'm going to go see the Dr. when I get off work, 'cause I think it could be an infection, and that scares me, so maybe I'll go, maybe I'll suck it up and finish it."

• nda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2015

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 12. I took the first dose in the evening, and the next morning I woke with the strong metallic taste in my mouth. That taste is there every morning, but I can easily wash it away with a drink of water. Around days 4-6, I had very loose stools from everything I ate. Since then, it has been off and on, but I have at least one loose stool every day. My H. pylori infection caused at least two ulcers, so I was experiencing a lot of nausea before, which has gradually improved with this medication-something must be working. This medication gave me really bad yeast infections (both oral and vaginal), but gargling with hydrogen peroxide a few times cleared it up. And treated the 'other' area. This medication has been tough, but still better than the H. pylori and ulcer symptoms."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2010

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was very nauseous and vomited and felt like I had the flu throughout the therapy. I was warned that I might get diarrhea, but fortunately, I didn't. I got a second endoscopy done and a biopsy to see if the medicine worked, and... it was unsuccessful."

• Ind...
• October 12, 2011

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am having side effects like fast heartbeat, not able to sleep, diarrhea, vaginal itching. I feel it has many side effects, and they will occur depending on the person."

• lor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2017

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had severe vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days caused by clarithromycin. After being treated for dehydration at the hospital, clarithromycin was replaced with doxycycline, and I have no problems since."