Patient Education Sheet
Drug Criteria and Outcomes-Ulcers and Bacteria: The Role of Helicobacter pylori
What is Helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium ("germ") that lives in the stomach of some people. It is found in most stomach ulcers and almost all small intestine (duodenal) ulcers. Nobody knows for sure how you get H. pylori infection. Most likely, the bacteria are swallowed and settle inside your stomach. If you have an H. pylori infection, you probably will not give it to another person.
How is H. pylori found?
The bacteria are usually found either with a blood test or a biopsy. To obtain a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from your stomach, a narrow tube called an endoscope is inserted down your throat into your stomach. The piece of tissue is put under a microscope to see if the bacteria are there.
Why is it important to treat H. pylori infection?
If your infection is treated, there is less chance of getting another ulcer, and long-term treatment with medications like cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, and sucralfate may not be necessary.
Who should be treated for H. pylori infection?
Everyone with stomach and small intestine ulcers who has the infection should be treated.
What is the treatment for H. pylori infection?
Treatment for H. pylori infection combines antibiotics and ulcer medications. These medications are taken every day for one to two weeks. It is very important that you take all the medicine so that the bacteria will be killed.
Will medicine cure my H. pylori infection?
Most people are cured after they take all the antibiotic and ulcer medications as prescribed.
Please contact your physician or pharmacist with any questions.
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