Voquezna (vonoprazan)

Information about Voquezna (vonoprazan)

Voquezna is a medication that contains vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB). It is used to reduce stomach acid by inhibiting the acid pumps in the stomach lining. Vonoprazan provides a more rapid and sustained reduction in stomach acid compared to traditional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Voquezna is mainly prescribed for the treatment of gastric conditions related to acid overproduction.

Product Highlights

• Used in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of H. pylori infections, which can cause ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.
• Voquezna is used to treat and prevent the recurrence of gastric ulcers, often in patients who require long-term NSAID use.
• It is used to treat GERD, a condition where acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.
• To heal damage caused by acid reflux in the esophagus.
• A condition where excessive stomach acid is produced due to tumors in the pancreas or duodenum.

Key Ingredient

• Vonoprazan

Key Benefits

• Provides powerful and long-lasting acid suppression, offering relief from symptoms of acid reflux, GERD, and ulcers.
• Vonoprazan works more quickly compared to traditional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
• Particularly effective in healing gastric ulcers and esophageal damage caused by acid reflux.
• Often used in combination with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, helping to reduce the risk of recurrence of ulcers.

Direction of Use

• The dosage of Voquezna will depend on the condition being treated. Typically, it is taken once daily.
• For GERD: Usually, 20 mg to 40 mg once a day.
• For H. pylori eradication: Voquezna is taken in combination with antibiotics, usually for a 7-day course.
• Take the tablet whole with or without food. Do not crush or chew the tablet to ensure the drug is released properly.
• For best results, it should be taken consistently at the same time each day.
• Safety Concerns
• Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. These may be temporary, but any persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
• Since vonoprazan reduces stomach acid, it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections like Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
• Long-term use may lead to imbalances in certain minerals, such as magnesium, and could increase the risk of fractures.
• Prolonged use of acid-suppressing medications, including vonoprazan, may potentially affect kidney function, so kidney function should be monitored in long-term users.
• There is limited information on the safety of vonoprazan during pregnancy, so it should only be used if clearly needed.

Avoid Voquezna (vonoprazan) If

• You have an allergy to vonoprazan or any of the components in Voquezna. 
• You have a history of severe liver or kidney disease (use with caution, especially in long-term therapy).
• You have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to other acid-suppressing medications.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider after a risk-benefit evaluation.
• You are taking other potassium-competitive acid blockers or PPI medications concurrently, as combining these can increase the risk of side effects.