Vonoprazan

Generic name: vonoprazan [ von-OH-pra-zan ]
Brand name: Voquezna
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg)
Drug class: Proton pump inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 4, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is vonoprazan?

Vonoprazan is used in adults to reduce stomach acid and promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Vonoprazan is also used in combination with antibiotics for treating infections caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Vonoprazan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vonoprazan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Vonoprazan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blood in your urine, burning when you urinate, little or no urination;

• seizures, mood changes;

• severe stomach problems, including severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, or fever that will not stop;

• sudden pain or trouble moving your hip, wrist, or back;

• shortness of breath, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out), numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, muscle weakness, pale skin, feeling tired; or

• irregular heartbeat, jitteriness, muscle aches or weakness, or spasms.

Common side effects of vonoprazan may include:

• altered sense of taste;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach pain;

• common cold-like symptoms;

• headache, high blood pressure; or

• pain and burning when you urinate, painful urination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, omeprazole, famotidine, pantoprazole, metronidazole, Protonix, esomeprazole

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use vonoprazan if you are allergic to it, or if you use:

• rilpivirine-containing products.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);

• low blood levels of potassium or magnesium;

• if you take a diuretic ("water pill"); or

• liver or kidney disease.

It is not known if vonoprazan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using vonoprazan.

How should I take vonoprazan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take vonoprazan with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Vonoprazan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Erosive Esophagitis:

For healing: 20 mg orally once a day
-Duration of therapy: 8 weeks

For maintenance of healing: 10 mg orally once a day
-Duration of therapy: Up to 6 months

Use: For healing, and to maintain healing, of all grades of erosive esophagitis and relief of heartburn associated with erosive esophagitis

Usual Adult Dose for Helicobacter pylori Infection:

Dual therapy: 20 mg orally twice a day, taken concomitantly with amoxicillin
-Duration of therapy: 14 days

Triple therapy: 20 mg orally twice a day, taken concomitantly with amoxicillin and clarithromycin
-Duration of therapy: 14 days

Comments:
-The manufacturer product information should be consulted for amoxicillin and/or clarithromycin dosing.
-Administer each dose of this drug in the morning and evening, 12 hours apart.

Uses:
-In combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin, for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection
-In combination with amoxicillin, for the treatment of H pylori infection

What happens if I miss a dose?

For the treatment of erosive esophagitis: use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 12 hours late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

For the treatment of infections caused by H. pylori: use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 4 hours late for the dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking vonoprazan?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect vonoprazan?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Vonoprazan can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth.

Other drugs may affect vonoprazan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01.