Warnings


What may interact with Helidac?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-acitretin
-alcohol or any product that contains alcohol
-cisapride
-disulfiram
-dronedarone
-ketorolac
-pimozide
-probenecid
-thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-antacids, vitamins, or other products that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc
-birth control pills
-busulfan
-certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
-cimetidine
-lithium
-other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
-phenobarbital
-phenytoin

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Helidac?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-Cockayne syndrome
-history of blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia, anemia, leukemia
-if you often drink alcohol
-infection especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes
-irregular heartbeat or rhythm
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-low blood counts
-recent or upcoming vaccine
-seizures
-tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder
-an unusual or allergic reaction to bismuth subsalicylate, metronidazole, tetracycline, aspirin or other salicylates, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Helidac?

Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your health care provider if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Birth control may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your health care provider about using an extra method of birth control.
Some products may contain alcohol. Ask your health care provider if this medicine contains alcohol. Be sure to tell all health care providers you are taking this medicine. Certain medicines, such as metronidazole and disulfiram, can cause an unpleasant reaction when taken with alcohol. The reaction includes flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and increased thirst. The reaction can last from 30 minutes to several hours.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.
To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

-Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.