H-Pylori and Licorice?

[Valkyrie9]

Hi there!  My doctor recently did a blood test on me for h-pylori and it came back positive.  She's got me taking the "Prev-Pack" of antibiotics (amoxicillin and...something -mycin, I can't remember, with Prevacid).  I've started taking a really good probiotic formula to help counter the ill effects of that.  I've read that licorice supplements can help with the lining of the stomach, but have also read that they may interfere with certain medications.  Can you help me here?

I'm taking 75 mg. of venlafaxine for anxiety/depression 2x a day, plus Trinessa birth control.  I know not to take licorice if there is any chance of pregnancy (there isn't) and to use a back-up method for pregnancy prevention while on the antibiotics. 

I'd appreciate any feedback you can give on the licorice or any other supplments to help with the h-pylori.  Oh, one more thing--do you think I should get my husband and my 5 year old tested for the bacteria too?  I'm not sure how contagious it is, but my little girl complains of stomach aches every couple of days.

Thanks!

[drjkf]

You did not mention whether you were having any digestive symptoms, but since your physician ran the H Pylori test, I can assume that you were symptomatic in some way.  Yes, H Pylori can run in close contacts, so I would suggest that you daughter and husband be tested if they have symptoms.  With the licorice, I can't advise you as you are not my patient, but I can say that I would be very cautious of any supplements with this many pharmaceuticals.  My inclination is to use homeopathic remedies when patients are on this many drugs, as the homeopathics have little likelihood of interacting.  Once you finish the Prev-Pak, you can re-evaluate whether it makes sense to do a supplement regimen, which is best done by having a consultation with a licensed naturopathic physician or holistic nurse practitioner or MD.  Probiotics are generally helpful, dosed as far away from the antibiotics as possible.  But, again, every person is different, so check with your physician before proceeding.

Best wishes as you heal!