Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Bar...
• November 16, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Can echo pretty much every review here. I feel horrible on this H. pylori combo of amoxicillin/clarithromycin/lansoprazole. My side effect symptoms are my mouth tastes just awful, headache, upset stomach, nausea, waking at all hours to extinguish the rancid taste in my mouth. Within 2 hours of my first dose, the taste was like something had crawled into my stomach a few years ago and stayed there. Felt better at day 4, but day 5 I feel absolutely horrible again. It was comforting to read my experience is normal at least. If you need this treatment absolutely take a probiotic with it! Taking probiotics lessens side effects like diarrhea, gas, and yeast infections. I see a few people who didn't have many side effects saying the awful reviews are exaggerated. They most certainly are NOT. Everyone is different. Please don't minimize the experience of others just because you got lucky and didn't have it as bad. I'd say my side effects are moderate or even sometimes mild compared to the worst they could be, but people are absolutely not exaggerating!"

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 4, feel constantly tired. Have to sleep sitting as some weird acid runs into my mouth and tastes horrible. Stomach still bloated and eating makes me sick but not eating also makes me sick. Headaches on and off. Chest pains. Constant metallic taste and loss of taste buds. Had one really crazy bout of the runs. Overall I feel worse in a different way than before I started antibiotics."

• Joe...
• March 30, 2019

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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."

• MaT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Day 6 of H. pylori meds. I am very nauseous, headaches, burping, diarrhea, stomach pains, and just all around a sick feeling. I'm trying to be patient. You are not alone. Much love to my H. pylori peeps!"

• pac...
• May 18, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I began my treatment of H. pylori 3 days ago. I was prescribed amoxicillin 2,000 mg per day, clarithromycin 1,000 mg per day, and pantoprazole 80 mg per day. Like everyone else, I find the metallic taste the worst. It keeps me up at night, so I am lacking sleep. I have the bloating, and the diarrhea started today, although it's not too bad. I am concerned that my doctor didn't prescribe lansoprazole but gave me the pantoprazole instead, it seems my other medication dosages are quite high. I take 10 pills a day. I do better with less food in my stomach. I am using an excellent protein supplement drink with added yogurt and fruit. I replace one meal a day with that. I sip on almond milk throughout the day. I am edgy and emotional and have retreated to my room to avoid annoyances beyond my door. I am trying to stay positive, knowing that I will probably feel so much better when this is all over. While I take to my bed, I visualize the antibiotics killing off these nasty little beasts. That helps too. Good luck, everyone."

• DMa...
• November 24, 2015

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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."

• TCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 10 of medication, and I can identify my symptoms to most of you, but I can say that they were worse in the first 6-8 days. Metallic taste in my mouth, nausea, diarrhea (almost black stool), bloating, and lots of burping and reflux. It's interesting how doctors noticed I had H. pylori. I started with a weird shortness of breath (which is still there), but I have done so many tests, and they all came back normal: ECG, stress test, chest X-ray, heart and lungs ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, barium meal (upper GI series), and several blood tests. They were all normal. The only problem found was H. pylori. I hope I can finish the treatment and start feeling better ASAP."

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm now on day 3 of my triple antibiotic treatment, amoxicillin/clarithromycin/lansoprazole, for H. pylori. I was first diagnosed with H. pylori infection 6 months ago, but I refused treatment because I was asymptomatic. Once the symptoms kicked in, I decided to be brave and take the treatment. I've had the nasty taste in my mouth and a short bout of diarrhea. The worst part for me is the fatigue. I can barely keep my eyes open! I also have very little appetite. I try to take tons of probiotics (kefir, yogurt, and kimchi) all day in between my pills, and they are helping a lot. I'm bloated and exhausted, but I feel positive that I'll make it through the regimen. Good luck, everyone!"

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Well, let me begin by saying I never experienced heartburn or had symptoms prior to the endoscopy that found the H. Pylori, so to be perfectly honest, the treatment has been a bit brutal. The metallic taste in my mouth is so bad if I actually do sleep, it wakes me and I am extremely nauseated. Diarrhea also. Fatigue, a definite. A lot of burping now, and now I seem to be actually experiencing heartburn. The one positive I will say is I noticed the bloating I have had for several years, which honestly I thought was my stomach, is going down significantly. Also, yogurt is your friend, I find it helps with the metallic taste. I have a few more days to go, so I hope it’s worth it! Hang in there, there’s light at the end of the tunnel."

• Fin...
• August 15, 2016

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I tested positive for H. pylori and presented with blood in stool samples, upper left quadrant pain. Never had symptoms of heartburn or reflux prior to being diagnosed. I was on a 7-day treatment, and I received 96% of the side effects: migraine that wouldn't go away throughout the whole course, dizziness, muscle aches and bone/joint pain, heart palpitations, burning pains throughout my abdomen, nausea, diarrhea, itchy skin, bubbly itchy rash in one small patch, pins and needles in my right hand, horrid chemically metallic taste in my mouth, loss of appetite, brain fog, confusion, weight loss, fever, chills, and sweats. It's almost been a week since finishing the treatment. My body still hurts, especially my legs, it feels as though there's no blood flow to them. Blood in the stool and the ulcer is still causing pain. Can't go through that treatment again."

• Jja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm having almost 90% of the side effects: nausea, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite. My depression is amplified, and do not get me started on the bitter taste in my mouth. I am dying here and have 6 more days to go. I am missing work and have been in bed almost all day, except when eating. Other than that, I just don't want to move. Hope this treatment works because I cannot take any more of this."

• JEB...
• August 25, 2017

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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."

• Dog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Was diagnosed with H. pylori and given amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole to take for 14 days. First day, my only side effect was extreme fatigue. Second day, no side effect except a headache. By the 5th day, I started to experience diarrhea. That was my only side effect and the bitter taste in my mouth off and on for the rest of my treatment. I did do as others mentioned and took a probiotic between doses. Make sure you remember to throw away your toothbrushes and buy new ones after treatment! All in all, treatment wasn't bad. Don't let other people's experiences scare you."

• KKa...
• March 1, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am taking 1000 mg of amoxicillin 2x a day, and 500 mg of clarithromycin 2x a day, and Pepto-Bismol 3x a day. I have had the really yucky taste in my mouth, but can deal with that. I do feel tired a bit more than usual. Do have some bloating off and on. Sometimes I have heartburn, but the symptoms of the H. pylori seem better. My appetite seems better. I am on my 10th day, and now have very severe diarrhea. I didn't think I was ever going to stop going. I'm hoping I don't start having this for the next 4 days as I tend to dehydrate easily. Drinking lots of water as it's suggested not to drink things like Gatorade. This is the second time I am on meds for the H. pylori as the first time I had a severe reaction to the other meds I was given and had to have blood work to be sure my kidneys and liver were not damaged. If I can just get through the next few days, I will be happy and pray this time these meds rid me of the H. pylori."

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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole 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."

• KMa...
• May 28, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Be your own advocate. I have had anemia, which leaves me fatigued for a very long time. I have suffered from severe bloating, pain, belching, and flatulence. I made an appointment a few weeks ago because I was having difficulty breathing and had severe bloating. I thought it was the arthritis. The blood work showed that my iron levels were 6 micrograms per deciliter. Normal levels for women range from 26 to 170. She has been prescribing me iron supplements for three years. On this particular visit, she sent me for some blood work, and it came back positive for Helicobacter. I was so glad to have a name that had caused me so much pain over the years. Since starting the medication, I have had pretty much all the side effects, including metallic taste in my mouth, severe bloating and pain, vivid dreams, insomnia, diarrhea, and most recently, itching. I am on day 12 of 14 and am looking forward to getting this nasty bacteria out of my system. Chewing gum has helped with the metallic taste."