Esomeprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some of the common questions people ask about NEXIUM Hp7. It does not contain all the available information about NEXIUM Hp7.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor will have weighed the risks of you taking NEXIUM Hp7 against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking these medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicines.
You may need to read it again.
What NEXIUM Hp7 is used for
NEXIUM Hp7 is a combination pack, which contains three different medicines. When taken together in the right doses, they will kill the bacteria in your stomach called Helicobacter pylori and let your peptic ulcer heal.
Depending on the position of the ulcer it is called a gastric or duodenal ulcer. A gastric ulcer occurs in the stomach. A duodenal ulcer occurs in the duodenum which is the tube leading out from the stomach.
Most people who have a peptic ulcer also have a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori in their stomach. If the bacteria are killed it is unlikely that your ulcer will come back.
NEXIUM is the brand name of esomeprazole (E), and it is given with amoxycillin (A), brand name Amoxil and clarithromycin (C), brand name Klacid. Amoxil and Klacid are both types of antibiotic.
How NEXIUM Hp7 works
NEXIUM is a type of medicine called a proton-pump inhibitor.
NEXIUM works by decreasing the amount of acid made by the stomach, to give relief of symptoms and allow healing to take place. This does not stop food being digested in the normal way.
Amoxycillin and clarithromycin are both antibiotics that help kill Helicobacter pylori. NEXIUM also helps kill the bacteria. When all three are taken together they are more effective than taken one or two at a time. It is possible that the antibiotics may not always kill Helicobacter pylori.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for another use.
There is no evidence that NEXIUM Hp7 is addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you take NEXIUM Hp7
When you must not take it
Do not take NEXIUM Hp7 if you have an allergy to:
any medicines containing esomeprazole, amoxycillin or clarithromycin
any ingredients listed at the end of the leaflet
any other similar medicines such as proton pump inhibitors, penicillins, cephalosporins or macrolide antibiotics
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Do not take NEXIUM Hp7 if you are taking any of the following medicines:
ergotamine
dihydroergotamine
astemizole
terfenadine
cilostazol
atazanavir
colchicine
simvastatin
lovastatin
ticagrelor
oral midazolam
Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines. These medicines will be affected by the medicines in NEXIUM Hp7 and it is more likely you will get side effects.
Do not take NEXIUM Hp7 if you have a history of heart conditions such as QT prolongation or ventricular cardiac arrhythmia.
Do not take NEXIUM Hp7 if you have low potassium levels.
NEXIUM Hp7 is not recommended for use in children.
There is no information about the use of NEXIUM Hp7 in children.
Do not take this medicine after the use by (expiry) date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to use it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
You must tell your doctor if you have:
problems with your blood
problems with your liver or kidneys
any heart conditions
you have glandular fever
myasthenia gravis, a condition in which the muscles become weak and tire easily
been diagnosed with osteoporosis
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant, are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
It is not known if it is safe for you to take NEXIUM Hp7 if you are pregnant. The medicines in NEXIUM Hp7 may affect the developing baby.
Your baby can take in all the medicines in NEXIUM Hp7 from breast milk if you are breast-feeding. NEXIUM Hp7 is not recommended when breast-feeding.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits of using NEXIUM Hp7 if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking NEXIUM Hp7.
Taking other medicines
Do not take NEXIUM Hp7 if you are taking the following medicines:
ergotamine or dihydroergotamine - medicines used to treat migraine headaches
astemizole or terfenadine - medicines used to treat hayfever and allergies
atazanavir - a medicine used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
cilostazol - a medicine used to treat intermittent claudication
colchicine - a medicine used to treat gout
lovastatin or simvastatin - medicines used to treat high cholesterol
ticagrelor - a medicine used to treat blood clots
oral midazolam - a medicine used for surgical sedation
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and NEXIUM Hp7 may interfere with each other. These include:
diazepam, triazolam or alprazolam - medicines used as sedatives or to treat anxiety
ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole or fluconazole - medicines used to treat fungal infections
warfarin and clopidogrel - medicines used to prevent blood clots
allopurinol or probenecid - medicines used to treat gout
phenytoin, valproate or carbamazepine - medicines used to treat seizures
atorvastatin or rosuvastatin - medicines used to treat high cholesterol
theophylline - a medicine used to treat asthma
zidovudine, saquinavir, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine, nelfinavir or ritonavir - medicines used to treat HIV
insulin, repaglinide, nateglinide, pioglitazone or rosiglitazone - medicines used to treat diabetes
digoxin, quinidine or disopyramide - medicines used to treat heart conditions
citalopram, fluoxetine, clomipramine and imipramine - medicines used to treat depression
St John's wort - a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders
rifabutin, rifampicin or erythromycin - medicines used to treat bacterial infections
sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil - medicines used to treat impotence
tolterodine - a medicine used to treat incontinence
verapamil, amlodipine or diltiazem - medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some heart conditions
methylprednisolone - a corticosteroid
vinblastine - a medicine used to treat cancer
oral contraceptives or birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about the need for an additional method of contraception while on NEXIUM Hp7
tacrolimus or cyclosporin - medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection or to treat certain problems with the immune system
methotrexate - a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
erlotinib or related medicines used to treat cancer
phenobarbitone - a medicine used to treat epilepsy
tetracycline and aminoglycoside antibiotics - medicines used to treat certain infections
atypical antipsychotics - medicines used to treat psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
These medicines may affect NEXIUM Hp7 or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.
If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell them before you take any NEXIUM Hp7.
How to take NEXIUM Hp7
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How much to take
There are three different medicines in NEXIUM Hp7. It is very important that you take NEXIUM Hp7 exactly as follows:
NEXIUM (esomeprazole) = E
Take one 20 mg tablet in the morning and at night.
Amoxil (amoxycillin) = A
Take two 500 mg capsules in the morning and at night.
Klacid (clarithromycin) = C
Take one 500 mg tablet in the morning and at night.
Morning
1 E, 2 A, 1 C
Night
1 E, 2 A, 1 C
How to take it
Swallow the NEXIUM tablets whole with a glass of water. For patients with swallowing difficulties, the tablet can be placed in half a glass of non-carbonated water (mineral water is not suitable). The tablet may be gently mixed and care should be taken not to crush the tablet. Rinse the glass with half a glass of fluid and drink.
NEXIUM tablets may also be administered, dispersed in non-carbonated water, through a gastric tube.
Do not crush or chew the tablets as they will not work properly.
Take medicines in NEXIUM Hp7 during or after meals.
How long to take it
Continue taking the capsules and tablets until you finish the course or until your doctor tells you to stop.
If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, the Helicobacter pylori may not clear completely and your symptoms may return.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms return.
It is possible that the antibiotics may not kill Helicobacter pylori. You may need treatment with more antibiotics.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take any of the medicines in NEXIUM Hp7 take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is more than four hours before the next dose of that medicine is due.
Do not take a double dose to make up for any dose that you miss.
If you are unsure what to do ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor, the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much NEXIUM Hp7 even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you take too much NEXIUM Hp7 you may vomit and have severe stomach problems.
While you are using NEXIUM Hp7
Things you must do
Take NEXIUM Hp7 exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking NEXIUM Hp7.
If you become pregnant while you are taking NEXIUM Hp7, tell your doctor.
If you get severe diarrhoea, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after NEXIUM Hp7 has been stopped.
Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical care. Do not take medicine to stop the diarrhoea without first checking with your doctor.
If you get a sore, white mouth or tongue while taking, or soon after stopping NEXIUM Hp7, tell your doctor. Also tell your doctor if you get vaginal itching or discharge.
This may mean you have a fungal infection called thrush. Sometimes the use of NEXIUM Hp7 allows fungi to grow and the above symptoms to occur. NEXIUM Hp7 does not work against fungal infections.
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking NEXIUM Hp7.
If you need to have any medical tests while you are taking NEXIUM Hp7, tell your doctor.
It may affect the results of some tests.
Drink plenty of water or fluids while taking NEXIUM Hp7
Things you must not do
Do not take NEXIUM Hp7 to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not stop taking NEXIUM Hp7, or change any of the doses, unless you have discussed it with your doctor.
You need to take all the capsules and tablets in the pack for it to work properly. If you stop taking it, your ulcer may come back and be harder to treat next time.
Do not give NEXIUM Hp7 to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how NEXIUM Hp7 affects you.
NEXIUM Hp7 may cause dizziness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to NEXIUM Hp7 before you do anything that may be dangerous if you are dizzy.
Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these possibilities if you think they may bother you.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking NEXIUM Hp7.
NEXIUM Hp7 helps most people with peptic ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
headache
dizziness
constipation
loss of appetite
stomach pain
wind
dryness of the mouth or other body cavities
soreness of mouth or tongue
"pins and needles"
metallic taste or other change in taste or smell
These side effects are usually mild.
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice the following:
muscle pain or weakness
increase in breast size (males)
fever
changes in sleep patterns
mood changes, hallucinations, confusion or depression
change in sexual function
blurred vision, hearing disturbances
hair loss
bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
signs of frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
skin rash
blood in urine
tremor
convulsions or fits
overgrowth of yeast infections (thrush)
These may be serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.
If any of the following happen, stop taking NEXIUM Hp7 and tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:
shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
chest pain
severe skin reaction which may include rash, itching, redness, blistering or peeling of the skin
severe upper stomach pain, with nausea and vomiting
signs of liver inflammation including yellowing of the skin or eyes, feeling generally unwell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
severe stomach or abdominal cramps, watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody (this may occur several weeks after you stop taking NEXIUM Hp7)
Do not take any medicine to stop the diarrhoea unless advised by your doctor.
These are very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious reaction to one of the medicines in NEXIUM Hp7. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Some people may get other side effects while taking NEXIUM Hp7.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
After using NEXIUM Hp7
Storage
Keep the three medicines in NEXIUM Hp7 in their separate blisters until it is time to take them.
Keep it in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave it in the car on hot days.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking them, or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What NEXIUM Hp7 looks like
NEXIUM tablets 20 mg are light pink, oblong shaped, marked with 20 mg on one side and A/EH on the other side.
Amoxil capsules 500 mg are red and yellow capsules, marked with GS JVL.
Klacid tablets 500 mg are pale yellow, oval, film coated tablets.
Ingredients
Each NEXIUM tablet contains esomeprazole 20 mg as the active ingredient, plus:
glyceryl monostearate (E471)
hydroxypropylcellulose
hypromellose
magnesium stearate
methacrylic acid copolymer
microcrystalline cellulose (E460)
synthetic paraffin
macrogol 6000
polysorbate 80 (E433)
crospovidone
sodium stearyl fumarate
purified talc (E553(b))
titanium dioxide (CI77891)
triethyl citrate
sugar spheres (maize starch and sucrose)
NEXIUM is provided in a blister wallet of 14 tablets.
The tablets are coloured with iron oxide red (CI77491) and iron oxide yellow (CI77492).
Each Amoxil capsule contains amoxycillin trihydrate 500 mg, plus:
magnesium stearate
Amoxil is provided in blister packs of 28 capsules.
The hard gelatin capsule is coloured with titanium dioxide (CI77891), iron oxide yellow (CI77492), erythrosine (CI45430), indigo carmine (CI73015) and Opacode A-R 9658 white.
Each Klacid tablet contains clarithromycin 500 mg as the active ingredient, plus:
croscarmellose sodium
cellulose (E 460)
povidone
silicon dioxide
hydroxypropylcellulose
hypromellose
purified talc
sorbitan mono-oleate
stearic acid (E 570)
magnesium stearate (E 572)
propylene glycol (E 1520)
sorbic acid
vanillin flavour
titanium dioxide (CI77891)
quinoline yellow (CI47005)
Klacid is provided in blister packs of 14 tablets.
NEXIUM Hp7 does not contain gluten.
