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Helidac Coupon - Helidac 14 day package

Helidac

bismuth subsalicylate / metronidazole / tetracycline
Used for Duodenal Ulcer

Helidac is a prepackaged medication that contains three different antibacterials: bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, and tetracycline. These medications work together to treat peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections. It needs to be taken with an antacid medication (e.g., H~2~ antagonist).

Reviewed by:
reviewerHope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewerKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 2, 2022
basics-icon

What is Helidac?

What is Helidac used for?

  • Stomach ulcers linked to H. pylori infections when taken together with an H~2~ antagonist medication

How Helidac works

Helidac contains three different medications.

  • Bismuth subsalicylate is an antidiarrheal medication. It works to stop diarrhea and treat stomach irritation by blocking proteins in your body called cyclooxygenase. This slows excessive movements in your stomach and intestines, and lowers the amount of chemicals being made that cause irritation in your stomach.
  • Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It's not fully known how this medication works but it's thought to affect the DNA of bacteria, causing them to die.
  • Tetracycline is an antibiotic. It prevents bacteria from making certain proteins, which stops them from multiplying and spreading in your body.

Together, these medications fight H. Pylori (a bacteria that attacks your gut and causes ulcers) by preventing them from growing normally and making proteins needed to survive. Getting rid of the bacteria allows your body to heal the ulcer.

Drug facts

Common BrandsHelidac
Drug ClassAntidiarrheal / Antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Helidac

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (12%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)
  • Stomach pain (7%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Dark stools
  • Upper respiratory infection (i.e., common cold)
  • Constipation
  • Lack of appetite (anorexia)
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Dark-colored tongue
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
  • Dizziness
  • Metallic taste
  • Gas
  • Trouble sleeping

Helidac serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Severe skin reaction: painful rash, blisters, red skin, fever
  • Brain and nerve-related problems: seizure, dizziness, feelings of numbness and tingling in your arms or legs
  • Tarry or bloody stools

Source: FDA

The following Helidac side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Black, tarry stools

body aches or pain

burning, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

burning upper stomach pain

chills

cough

difficulty in breathing

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of appetite

loss of voice

nausea

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

weight loss

Rare

Bladder pain

bleeding from the rectum

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

bruising

burning, dry, or itching eyes

chest pain or discomfort

confusion

diarrhea

difficult, burning, or painful urination

discharge, excessive tearing

dizziness

fainting

frequent urge to urinate

general feeling of discomfort or illness

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

itching, skin rash

joint pain

large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin

lower back or side pain

muscle aches and pains

nervousness

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pounding in the ears

redness or other discoloration of the skin

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue

severe constipation

severe numbness, especially on one side of the face or body

severe sunburn

shivering

slow or fast heartbeat

sore throat

stomach pain

sweating

tooth disorder

trouble sleeping

trouble swallowing

tumor

white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin

chest pain

joint or muscle pain

red irritated eyes

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

redness or soreness around fingernails or loosening of the fingernails

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Blue lips, fingernails, or skin

burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum

difficult, noisy, fast, or deep breathing

hearing loss

increased sweating

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

loss of consciousness

pale skin

seizures

shakiness and unsteady walk

slow heartbeat

swelling in the legs and ankles

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Belching

bloating

burning or itching around the anus

change in or loss of taste

darkening of the tongue

excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels

feeling of fullness

heartburn

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

passing gas

stomach discomfort or upset

Rare

Blemishes on the skin

difficulty in moving

drowsiness

dry mouth

joint swelling or stiffness

pimples

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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pros-and-cons-icon

Pros and cons of Helidac

Pros

  • Convenient, available in prepackaged blister packs
  • Treatment only lasts 14 days
  • Bismuth subsalicylate comes as a chewable tablet.
  • Successful treatment can prevent future duodenal ulcers

Cons

  • Needs to be taken 4 times a day
  • Need to take 4 pills per dose
  • Brand only, so can be expensive
  • Need to avoid alcohol and sun exposure
  • Can't be used in children
pharmacist-tips-icon

Pharmacist tips for Helidac

pharmacist
  • Each blister packet contains 4 pills that you'll need to take together at the same time. The two pink tablets are chewable. The white tablet and black and yellow capsule are not chewable and should be swallowed whole. Remember "chew-chew-swallow-swallow" is one dose.
  • You should take one full blister packet four times a day (at mealtimes and bedtime). Take Helidac with a full glass of water. Tetracycline can cause throat irritation and damage if you don't take it with enough water.
  • Your provider will also prescribe an antacid medication that should be taken along with your Helidac treatment. Take the antacid as prescribed by your provider.
  • If you take multivitamins, antacids, or supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc, make sure to separate them from Helidac. Take Helidac at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after having any dairy products, since they contain calcium. Take Helidac 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids containing these minerals.
  • Tetracycline, an ingredient in Helidac, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid the sun and sunlamps while you're taking Helidac. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen whenever you're in the sun.
  • Your tongue and stools might darken or turn black while taking Helidac. This is caused by bismuth subsalicylate. It's not dangerous and typically goes away on its own a few days after you stop taking the medication.
  • Continue to take Helidac for the entire 14 days of treatment. Don't stop taking it early, even if you start to feel better. This can make your infection come back and be harder to treat.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Helidac and for 3 days after stopping, since it can cause you to feel very sick.
  • If you're taking birth control pills, use a back-up method while taking Helidac since it can cause your birth control to not work as well.
faq-icon

Common questions about Helidac

An antacid medication called an H~2~ antagonist will be prescribed with Helidac because it will lower the acid in your stomach, allowing your stomach ulcer to heal. Make sure to follow your provider's instructions on how and when to take your antacid medication.

Both Helidac and Pylera are used to treat peptic ulcers associated with H. pylori infections. Each medication is packaged differently. Pylera is available as a capsule that combines all three medications into 1 pill for convenience, while Helidac comes co-packaged with 3 separate medications and you'll need to take each medication at the same time. Additionally, Helidac needs to be taken for 14 days, while Pylera needs to be taken for 10 days. Both medications are currently only available as brand medications.

No. Avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Helidac, and continue to avoid it for three days after you're done with treatment. Drinking alcohol when you're taking metronidazole, an ingredient in Helidac, can lead to a bad reaction, such as nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, skin flushing, and sweating.

No, you shouldn't take Helidac with milk or any other dairy product that contains a lot of calcium. You should also avoid taking Helidac with antacids that contain calcium, aluminum, or magnesium. These minerals can prevent tetracycline, an ingredient in Helidac, from being absorbed. Take Helidac at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after having any dairy products. Take Helidac 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids containing these minerals.

Yes, like other antibiotics, Helidac can interact with certain birth control pills and cause them to not work as well. You might experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting when you're taking Helidac. Use a back-up form of birth control, such as condoms, when you're taking Helidac.

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Risks and warnings for Helidac

Helidac can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Potential risk of cancer

Warning Icon Helidac contains metronidazole, which has been shown to cause cancer in mice and rats. It's unknown whether metronidazole can cause cancer in humans. If you are concerned about this, speak to your healthcare provider.

Harm to pregnant women and their unborn babies

  • Risk factors: Currently pregnant | Women of childbearing age | Taking high doses of tetracycline

Helidac can cause harm to unborn babies when taken during pregnancy. Tetracycline, an ingredient in Helidac, might cause permanent tooth discoloration and affect bone development. Additionally, when taken at high doses, tetracycline might raise the risk of serious liver damage in pregnant mothers. There have also been reports of metronidazole, another ingredient in Helidac, causing harm to unborn babies when used during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your provider about the safest treatment option.

Abnormal brain function

Rarely, the medications in Helidac have caused seizures, swelling of the brain, nerve pain, headache, blurred vision, and brain damage. Some people experience difficulty with walking straight, dizziness, trouble speaking, or uncontrolled body movements. These problems will usually go away within days to weeks of stopping Helidac. Seek medical help if you experience any of these side effects while taking this medication.

Severe skin rash

Helidac can cause severe skin rashes resulting in serious injury or even hospitalization. Seek medical attention right away if you suddenly develop a fever, burning eyes, skin pain, or red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling.

Sunburn

  • Risk factors: Being in the sun for a long period of time | Use of tanning beds

Helidac can raise your skin's sensitivity to sunlight and make you more likely to get a sunburn or rash. While taking this medication, make sure to use sunblock and wear protective clothing. Avoid using tanning salons since artificial light can cause similar skin damage. If you develop skin redness or get a rash, stop taking this medication right away and talk to your healthcare provider.

Black-colored tongue and stools

Helidac contains bismuth subsalicylate, which can cause your stool to become black-colored and your tongue to turn dark. These side effects aren't harmful and usually go away on their own a few days after stopping the medication. However, if you get tarry stools or you see blood in your stool, tell your provider right away.

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Helidac dosage

The average cost for 1 package of 14 day of Helidac is $933.45 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 18.12% off the average retail price of $1,140.06.
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DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
14 day1 package$933.45$933.45

Typical dosage for Helidac

Each dose consists of 4 pills: 2 chewable tablets (525 mg total) of bismuth subsalicylate, 1 tablet (250 mg) of metronidazole, and 1 capsule (500 mg) of tetracycline. Take 1 dose by mouth 4 times a day (with meals and at bedtime) for 14 days.

Your provider will also prescribe a H~2~ antagonist to treat your condition, so take it as directed.

interactions-icon

Interactions between Helidac and other drugs

Helidac may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Helidac. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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contraindications-icon

Helidac contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Helidac will not be safe for you to take.

  • Taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the last 2 weeks
  • Drink alcohol during Helidac treatment or within 3 days of stopping
  • Cockayne syndrome (a rare genetic condition that affects your head size)
  • Severe kidney problems
  • Aspirin or salicylate allergy
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What are alternatives to Helidac?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Helidac. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Helidac
Used for:
  • Stomach ulcers linked to H. pylori infections when taken together with an H~2~ antagonist medication
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Helidac images

Black And Yellow Wpi 2235 - Helidac 262.4mg-250mg-500mg Therapy Kit
This medicine is Black And Yellow Package Imprinted With "Wpi 2235".Black And Yellow Wpi 2235 - Helidac 262.4mg-250mg-500mg Therapy Kit

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