Helicon V 

Presentation: Each Helicon V kit typically contains a blister strip with:

• Vonoprazan Fumarate INN equivalent to Vonoprazan 20 mg (1 tablet)
• Amoxicillin Trihydrate BP equivalent to Amoxicillin 500 mg (2 capsules)
• Clarithromycin USP 500 mg (1 tablet) Helicon V is a product of General Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Bangladesh and is available as a complete treatment kit.

Indications: Helicon V is indicated as a standard triple therapy regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with:

• Active chronic gastritis
• Duodenal ulcer
• Gastric ulcer

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium implicated in the etiology of gastritis and peptic ulcers. Eradication of this infection is considered the first-line treatment for these conditions.

Dosage and Administration: The recommended dosage regimen is:

• Vonoprazan 20 mg (1 tablet)
• Amoxicillin 1000 mg (2 capsules)
• Clarithromycin 500 mg (1 tablet)

All components are to be taken twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart), with or without food, for 14 days.

• Geriatrics: Use with caution due to the clarithromycin component, which may increase the risk of torsade de pointes.
• Renal Impairment:Avoid use in severe renal impairment.  
• Hepatic Impairment:Avoid use in moderate and severe hepatic impairment.  

It is crucial to complete the entire 14-day course of treatment as prescribed to ensure the eradication of H. pylori and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Side Effects: The most common adverse reactions (occurring in >2% of patients) reported with this triple therapy regimen include:

• Dysgeusia (taste disturbance)
• Diarrhoea
• Vulvovaginal candidiasis
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Hypertension
• Nasopharyngitis

Other side effects may occur. Patients should consult their physician if they experience any persistent or bothersome symptoms.

Precautions: Helicon V is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to:

• Vonoprazan
• Amoxicillin or any other beta-lactam antibiotics
• Clarithromycin or any other macrolide antibiotics

The triple therapy regimen should be used with caution when co-administered with the following drugs due to potential interactions: tacrolimus, cyclosporine, clopidogrel, citalopram, cilostazol, probenecid, allopurinol, itraconazole, ketoconazole, erlotinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, mycophenolate mofetil, saquinavir, ritonavir,and rilpivirine.

Based on animal studies and observational studies in pregnant women with clarithromycin use, the use of this triple pack is generally not recommended in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative therapy is appropriate. There are no data regarding the presence of vonoprazan in humanmilk. Amoxicillin and clarithromycin are present in breast milk. The effects on the breastfed infant or milk production are unknown.

Storage: Do not store above 30°C. Keep in a dry place and protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions and guidance regarding your medication. They can assess your individual medical condition and provide the most appropriate advice.