THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Pernix Therapeutics has released Omeclamox-Pak to pharmcies nationwide for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and duodenal ulcer disease.
The specialty pharmaceutical company said Tuesday announced that Omeclamox-Pak is a 10-day, triple-combination oral therapy encompassing omeprazole delayed-release capsules (20 mg), clarithromycin tablets (500 mg) and amoxicillin capsules (500 mg).
"We are pleased to announce that Omeclamox-Pak is now available by prescription in pharmacies across the country, and physicians and patients will have another therapy option for the treatment of H. pylori and duodenal ulcer disease," stated Cooper Collins, president and chief executive officer of Pernix.
According to Pernix, Omeclamox-Pak is the first triple-combination medication indicated to eradicate symptoms of H. pylori in 10 days. The company said current treatment options include dual therapy, consisting of one proton pump inhibitor and one antibiotic medication, and triple-combination therapy prescribed twice daily for 14 days.
"Published studies show that a single 10-day regimen of twice-daily therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin eradicates 80% to 90% of H. pylori infections," according to Brian Fennerty, M.D., professor of dedicine in the division of gastroenterology at Oregon Health & Science University.
H. pylori is a bacterium acquired mainly by people living in developing countries, likely passed through contact with human saliva and waste or contaminated food and water, Pernix reported. If left untreated, the infection can damage the stomach and small intestine wall causing peptic ulcer disease, specifically duodenal ulcers. Nearly two-thirds of the world population is infected with H. pylori, including 50% of adults older than 60 and 20% of adults younger than 40.
