vonoprazan 20 mg tablet

Generic name:
Vonoprazan - oral

Pronunciation
(von-OH-pra-zan)

Brand name(s)
Voquezna

Vonoprazan is used to treat certain throat (esophagus) problems (erosive esophagitis, heartburn). It is also used with other medications to treat an infection caused by the bacteria H. pylori. This bacteria can cause stomach/intestinal ulcers and irritation/swelling of the lining of the stomach. Vonoprazan is an acid blocker. It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. Decreasing excess stomach acid can help ulcers heal and relieve symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking vonoprazan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition.

The tablet may have a bitter taste if you chew or crush it before taking it. The manufacturer recommends swallowing the whole tablet without crushing or chewing.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Diarrhea or nausea may occur. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, bloody urine)
• symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, seizures)

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop:

• diarrhea that doesn't stop
• abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
• blood/mucus in your stool

If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.

Rarely, acid-reducing drugs (such as vonoprazan) have caused vitamin B-12 deficiency. The risk is increased if the drugs are taken for a long time. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency (such as unusual weakness, sore tongue, or numbness/tingling of the hands/feet).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking vonoprazan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• liver disease
• kidney disease

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have:

• heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness
• chest/jaw/left arm pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
• unexplained weight loss

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Related drugs (proton pump inhibitors) may increase the risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. This risk may also apply to this drug. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially C. difficile infection (see Side Effects section).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if vonoprazan passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 2 days after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Other medications can affect the removal of vonoprazan from your body, which may affect how vonoprazan works. Examples include rifamycins (such as rifabutin), among others.

Some products need stomach acid so that the body can absorb them properly. Vonoprazan decreases stomach acid, so it may change how well these products work. Some affected products include atazanavir, erlotinib, levoketoconazole, nelfinavir, pazopanib, rilpivirine, certain azole antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), among others.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as magnesium level, vitamin B-12 level) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you are using this drug to treat erosive esophagitis or heartburn and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 12 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you are using this drug to treat H. pylori and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 4 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.