Helicobacter Forums

I tested positive to HP and was put on a course of Amoxycillin, Clarithromycin, and Esomeprazole for a week. The next test came back positive, so I was prescribed similar though with metronidazole, & pantoprazole.

I was able to get in contact with Mr Richard Ferraro, as I had read that repeating the same antibiotics was not recommended, and I needed a second opinion. As the doctor did not seem confident. Mr Ferraro recommended this website and a quadruple therapy with bismuth. My question is, can my doctor prescribe this and would they know what to prescribe, as they haven't yet, or who do I talk with?

I just want to clear this up, as quickly as possible, any guidance would be appreciated

can someone please advise, as my doctor has been unhelpful

I'm sorry you're having a tough time finding the right treatment. For the Bismuth, your doctor can often source it through specialized pharmacies or by contacting Tri-Med directly.

It makes sense that your doctor started with the standard first-line options, as Australian guidelines prioritize preventing widespread antibiotic resistance. That said, if your current symptoms persist, adding Bismuth to your next regimen (alongside a PPI, Amoxicillin, and Levofloxacin) is a very effective strategy. It can boost the success rate of the treatment significantly compared to triple therapy alone.

Definitely have a chat with your GP about incorporating Bismuth if this round doesn't clear the infection.

Just to clarify, should i take this prescription, and then after that ask for the bismuth, if it doesn't work. Or do I just ask the doctor to prescribe a bismuth quadruple therapy now

Your doctor can get the information of bismuth from Tri-med or any other supplier.
Then give you the prescription. if the pharmacy doesnt know where to source it, they will contact the doctor and the doctor will provide the instruction.

Well i finally talked with my doctor, and asked to be prescribed the Bismuth quadruple therapy for 14 days, he said he would look into it and thanked me for the information. I gave him the name of Tri Med website, he asked me to spell it out for him.

An hour later he sent through an escript for Metronidazole, amoxicillin, esomeprazole and clarithromycin!!!!

I dont get it, apart from the metronidazole, this is the original treatment i took which proved to be resistant.

Am I doing something wrong here?

Your doctor’s use of standard first-line treatments aligns with Australian guidelines aimed at curbing widespread antibiotic resistance retro bowl