Why is this medicine prescribed?
Vonoprazan is used
- to heal and maintain healing of erosive esophagitis (acid-related damage to the esophagus [tube that runs from the throat to the stomach])
- treat heartburn
- in combination with other medications to eliminate Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria that causes ulcers)
Vonoprazan is in a class of medications called potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCAB). It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Vonoprazan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is taken with or without food once or twice a day. Your doctor will tell you how often and for how long you should take vonoprazan depending on the condition you have. Take vonoprazan at around the same time(s) every day.
Take vonoprazan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking vonoprazan,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- some medications should not be taken with vonoprazan. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with vonoprazan. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting vonoprazan with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking vonoprazan, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with vonoprazan: iron supplements and St John's Wort. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking vonoprazan. Do not start any of these medications while taking vonoprazan without discussing with your healthcare provider.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease; osteopenia (bone condition that causes loss in bone mass) or osteoporosis (condition with loss in bone mass that makes bones weak or brittle and easy to fracture); low levels of vitamin B12 in your body; or low calcium, magnesium or potassium in your blood.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking vonoprazan, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you are taking vonoprazan once daily and it has been 12 hours since the schedule dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you are taking vonoprazan twice daily and it has been 4 hours since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Vonoprazan may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- stomach bloating
- stomach pain
- nausea
- indigestion
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- low urine output or blood in the urine
- watery stools, stomach pain, or fever that does not go away
- skin rash or blistering, peeling or bleeding skin; fever, chills, body aches, shortness of breath, or swollen glands
- irregular heart beat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, tingling or numbness in arms or legs, muscle weakness, pale skin, feeling tired or mood changes
- bone pain or bone fracture
- seizures, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, jitteriness, muscle aches or weakness, or spasms of hands, feet or voice
- hives; rash; itching; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing or swallowing
- yellow eyes or skin, loss of appetite, dark urine, itching, abdominal pain, unexplained bruising or bleeding, or loss of appetite
You should know that vonoprazan has caused stomach polyps (pre-cancerous lesions in certain regions of the stomach) with long-term use. Talk to your doctor about the risk if you have been taking vonoprazan for longer than a year.
Vonoprazan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.