Bismuth subcitrate potassium / metronidazole / tetracycline for Helicobacter Pylori Infection User Reviews (Page 5)

• Bel...
• May 19, 2015

"Day 3, and these are the symptoms I've experienced: dizziness, anxiety attacks, numbness in toes and fingers, joint pain, nasal congestion, metallic taste in mouth, funny stuffed ear sensation, paresthesia all over, dark stool, low blood sugar if I don't eat every 3 hours, loss of appetite, nausea, brain fog, eye pain, blurred vision, muscle weakness, back pain, malaise, funny feeling in the pit of my stomach, gas, belching, off balance, jaw pain, speech difficulty, irritation, agitation... I am praying that these symptoms will stop today. My doctor told me to tough it out. There must be a better treatment for H. pylori."

• Edm...
• August 7, 2018

"I’ve had stomach pains off and on for a few years. Just recently, I went to a new gastro, which ran some tests that included blood work and a stool sample along with an abdominal ultrasound. Everything came back fine except I tested positive for H. pylori. I was prescribed a 10-day Pylera course along with omeprazole. Besides having dark stool, it was going smoothly for the first couple of days, but on day 6 is when all hell started breaking loose. I began having sharp abdominal pains, dizziness, nausea, and I was very tired. The only thing that helped was eating, as soon as I ate, my pains and symptoms went away temporarily. Two and a half more days to go, and I’m done. Hopefully, I won’t have to go through this again."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2016

"Just finished 10 days of Pylera. This is my second treatment in the past few months for H. pylori after it coming back 2 weeks after finishing triple treatment. Well, this has to be the worst medicine I've ever been prescribed in my life. I was bloated the first few days and looked 6 months pregnant. It got worse... the symptoms that followed were insomnia, itchiness everywhere, especially my nose, anxiety, racing heart, weight gain, mood swings, and just a general feeling of not feeling with it. I'm still bloated 4 days after I've finished and don't feel great."

• Eri...
• August 8, 2014

"The first two days, I felt alright. I drank a lot of water with my doses (about 16 oz). On day three, I panicked because my urine was really dark and wasted a bunch of time in the ER to find nothing wrong with me but needing to drink a little more water that day. From day 4 till the very end, I felt exhausted and queasy in the mornings, took forever to get motivated to do anything. Luckily, I'm on summer break! I read a lot on here that people took probiotics, but my pharmacist said that calcium would interfere with absorption, so I didn't. I eliminated all dairy to make sure there were no interferences. My last dose was yesterday morning, and I have gas building up now-I'm guessing it's from reintroducing the dairy into my diet?"

• Mfa...
• June 10, 2015

"I had been experiencing severe stomach pain for about a year and a half that included nausea, stomach pain, always bloated, and pressure under my ribcage. Dr. performed a Urea Breath Test; tested positive for H. Pylori. I completed day 10 yesterday. I was lucky enough not to experience any severe side effects. I did experience multiple migraines while on it, and I always felt very tired. But just after taking the first full day of it, I definitely felt a difference. Today is my first day without having taken them, and I feel a hundred times better. I actually have an appetite! It's harsh and long, and I wanted to give up, but in the end, I thought it was worth it. Now to wait four weeks before I can get retested to ensure it's gone."

• Val...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2019

"Well, I had a 120-pill course in Germany from January 7 till January 16. I had black stool and dark urine and went to bed after 10 pm, although usually I do it around midnight. No other side effects, though. And during taking Pylera, my stomach felt pretty comfortable. Now, the feeling is not that comfortable. I do not feel pain, but I experience some discomfort in my stomach. Maybe this is due to the fact that Pylera killed all the flora in my gut. I will have my next gastro in the beginning of February."

• Fra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2018

"I'm on day 7. I've been eating a strict diet of no sugar, no wheat, no dairy, no red meat. Basically, everything that takes digestive robustness or helps bad bacteria. I take the Pylera with a half-sized meal and eat the other portion of the meal a couple of hours later with either a probiotic supplement or a healthy scoop of live (not pasteurized) sauerkraut. I've been drinking lots of water by sipping it all day, and I force myself to hit the elliptical for 20 minutes every other day. My poop was dark and like the consistency of wet clay on day two. Day three was a LOT of green loose stool. Now, I'm pooping every other day, and it smells like fresh grass! I get tired just past lunch, and I have a pretty steady headache from about 10 AM on. Still better than dealing with this infection. Excited to rebuild my gut after and see how I feel without H. Pylori."

• Cor...
• January 9, 2018

"I am a 58-year-old female who was VERY SCARED after reading the reviews. I was just afraid of taking 140 pills in 10 days. Once I read the package again and it said blister capsules, I became more comfortable, however, I waited until I came back from Christmas vacation to start my pill taking because of the reviews. I didn't have any side effects except my stool was very black. I drank plenty of water. But I am finished. I had a 'FINISHED UP TAKING PYLERA PARTY.' Next follow-up appointment is in February. Hope this helps someone out."

• Can...
• October 31, 2018

"I'm on day 8 of Pylera for H. pylori. The first 6 days were fine, a little nausea on day 7. I had this cold feeling go up my legs, I was extremely shaky and thought I was going to pass out. I ate and drank water and felt a little better. Day 8, I'm extremely tired, literally never felt this tired in my life, and I've been nauseous throughout the day. I CANNOT wait for this to be over...."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2022

"Taking Pylera is a wild ride, and I would suggest everyone to plan time off work for the 10 days of treatment. I'm currently on day seven and had/have many of the side effects. They do come in waves, though, so there are moments in between where I feel really good and even noticed improved H. pylori symptoms, which makes me hopeful that this is actually working. I know many said it here before, but I'm going to say it again: Do not take Pylera on an empty stomach! On day 4, I took my last dose really late because I had slept all day due to side effects. I was not hungry, so I washed down my capsules with half a banana. I woke up 4 hours later with the worst stomach cramps and burning I ever had in my life, and that continued for at least 12 hours! Since then, I made sure to eat a complete meal before taking the capsules, just a little snack didn't work for me. Man, do I hope this works, I wouldn't want to do it again. Yet, thankful this treatment exists. Will report back with results!"

• Vee...
• January 17, 2018

"This is a very dangerous drug. I now have weakness in my arms and legs, and it's been five days since I finished my last dose. I felt a slight weakening in the legs on the last day but still completed the course. It then progressed to heaviness, so bad that I can barely lift my arms or go up the stairs. Now I realized that peripheral neuropathy is a side effect. I just hope and pray that this is reversible. I am writing this to warn others. The sad part is I didn't feel any side effect until after the last dose. Wish I had been more diligent. Please be careful."

• nav...
• May 14, 2015

"I'm on day 4, and I can't wait until this is over. The dark, runny stool, headaches. I'm over it. I don't like yogurt, but if it'll help, I'll try it! Note: If you feel the urge to pass gas, go to the bathroom ASAP."

• Jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2019

"I'm on day 9, and apart from a constant metallic taste in my mouth (not so bad), then I have no other side effects. I have cut all dairy and alcohol as recommended for the ten days. If it kills the bacteria and I feel fine taking it, then I'm a happy camper!"

• Sca...
• February 22, 2022

"I'm taking Pylera for HP. It has been over nine days today; I feel like crap. My skin is dry; my anxiety is at its highest, stomach discomfort, anal discomfort, headaches. This treatment is a challenge, honestly. Please stay safe."

• Ear...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2018

"Last day on Pylera, and I am happy for this to be over. Overall, not bad at all. Diarrhea the first few days, followed by odd-smelling black bowel movements three times a day, every day. Weird taste in my mouth off and on. Today, I will say I am exhausted. I work a physically demanding job outdoors, and of course, the heat was high all week, but I was able to push through it... not bad at all, honestly."

• wen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2023

"Before starting this medication, I was really scared after reading the reviews. I also want to preface this by saying that I have lupus nephritis and was already taking additional medication, so adding Pylera meant I was taking over 20 pills a day. The only side effects I had were dark stool, abdominal cramping (sometimes between doses), and slight joint pain. My diet could’ve played a large role. I ate mainly fruit and vegetables from home, drank a lot of water, and always ate a full meal with doses. Please listen to the instructions and do not lie down after taking this medication for at least 30 minutes. Also, avoid foods with added calcium like cereals, bagels, milk, etc. Read your food labels and try your best to avoid highly processed foods for the course of antibiotics. I still don’t know if my H. pylori is gone, but I do feel better than before I started taking it."

• Sly...
• May 10, 2021

"I have to be honest, I took this medication for almost one year. I am still feeling bad because the medication, I think, is made with salts. My stomach is still burning as a result of this medicine. I wouldn't recommend this medication for people to use. My stomach lining is burning, acid reflux is what I am still dealing with till this moment. If someone can help me treat my problem as a result of this medicine, I will be very happy."

• Ala...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2022

"I am on day 4, mostly tired, drained, and nauseous. Just read the other comments, so I have increased the amount of water, and hopefully, it will help. To the person from Syria who thought no one would see his/her comments: I read them, and may God help you and have mercy on your country and its beautiful people."

• Hvh...
• June 4, 2013

"On my 5th day of treatment. The bloating and discomfort in my stomach are pretty intense. I hope I can follow through with my course of medication. My doctor did not mention taking a probiotic while on medicines. I will ask tomorrow and hope I get an answer. I have already called once asking if this feeling is from the medication or the upper endoscopy."

• Anonymous
• October 26, 2011

"I have been taking Pylera for 6 days, and besides dry mouth, general feeling of being ill, I noticed my tongue is getting dark (a known side effect). This is a very difficult medication to take for 10 days, however, I will continue in hopes the H. pylori bacteria will be eradicated."

• Glo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2019

"The most horrible feeling in the world: tired, nauseated, black stools, depressed, and I just wanted to feel normal again. What helped me was eating big meals, try to eat your first meal as early as possible so that you can take your last pill not so late and get your sleep. I had mints in my purse, it always helps with the bad taste in your mouth, but most of all, sparkling water was by my side constantly. It helped settle my stomach and kept me hydrated. I never again can I go through that! Day 10 was yesterday, today I’m meds-free, and I have a sour stomach and heartburn. I hope this goes away soon."

• bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2023

"The dosage is 3 pills 4 times a day for 10 days, and I am on day 8 of 10 with this medication. I hope it works to kill the H. pylori infection. I have had a few headaches, but I got headaches before, so I am not sure if the medication is causing them. I do not always eat a meal before I take them, which could be what is causing that sick feeling. I do take a probiotic, which I think has helped with the other issues that others have while taking this medication. My body aches, but I cannot say that's from the medication. My body ached before the medication due to everything I have been through. I have not taken any over-the-counter Advil or anything in the Advil family because I want my body to fully heal from this infection. I made the mistake of drinking a milkshake a few hours after a dose because the taste that came with it was a gall-like or bile-like taste. When I worked out, the gall/bile taste increased. I also got a yeast infection from the medication."

• R3b...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2019

"I have been taking this drug for 2 days now, and the side effects I am dealing with at the moment are (dark stool, weird taste, tiredness, bad mood, and anxiety). Other than that, everything is good. I hope this medicine will be effective, my doctor prescribed it for 20 days :(."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

"OMG. On Day 3 - 7 more days to go of Pylera. I feel so weak and sleepy. Makes water taste terrible. I don’t have ulcers, but I’m diabetic. H. pylori raises blood sugar. I need to get rid of this bacteria. It was found through a regular check-up with endoscopy. Hopefully, my sugar levels go back to normal after killing the bacteria. Good luck, everyone."

• HPy...
• August 12, 2016

"Picked up a nasty H. pylori strain from a casual blind date, I know I should have gotten to know the person better. Took a while before symptoms showed up. Had a severe upset stomach, occasional diarrhea, nausea, and slow but steady weight loss. Took a long time and several doctors to diagnose my steadily worsening condition. Tried PrevPak first, seemed to work at first, but my infection came back. The new GI then prescribed Pylera after my third endoscopy. Pylera has worked, it's been a year, and I am still H. pylori negative. But it's been brutal and a very hard, long road back to recovery. Had severe side effects from tetracycline (in Pylera), my skeletal bones seemed to have absorbed it. Am still not completely detoxed, steadily improving."