Voquezna (vonoprazan) is a prescription medication designed to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This reduction helps in the treatment and healing of certain digestive conditions. It is specifically used for conditions like erosive esophagitis, which involves acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus, and to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections. As a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB), Voquezna works by blocking potassium from binding to the proton pumps in the stomach, effectively stopping these pumps from secreting acid.
General Administration Instructions
Voquezna tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not chew or crush them, as this can lead to a bitter taste and may alter how the medication works. It can be taken with or without food, offering flexibility for convenient timing. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, as they are tailored to your specific needs.
Voquezna is typically prescribed for once-daily dosing. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition and will be specified by your doctor, whether for short-term healing or longer-term maintenance. Following these instructions helps achieve the best possible outcomes for your treatment.
Dosage and Regimen Details
The specific dosage and treatment duration for Voquezna vary considerably based on the condition being treated.
Erosive Esophagitis
For healing erosive esophagitis, the recommended adult dosage is typically 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks. After healing, a lower dose of 10 mg once daily may be prescribed for up to 6 months to prevent symptom recurrence.
Heartburn (Non-Erosive GERD)
For heartburn associated with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a dosage of 10 mg once daily for 4 weeks is commonly recommended.
H. pylori Infection
For H. pylori infection, Voquezna is part of a combination therapy with antibiotics. This usually involves either a triple therapy (Voquezna 20 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 14 days) or a dual therapy (Voquezna 20 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1000 mg three times daily for 14 days).
Missed Doses
If a dose for erosive esophagitis or heartburn is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, provided it is within 12 hours of the usual time. If more than 12 hours have passed, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose taken at the regularly scheduled time. For missed doses during H. pylori treatment, take it within 4 hours of the usual time; otherwise, skip it and continue the regular schedule. Patients with kidney or liver impairment may require dosage adjustments, emphasizing the need for individualized medical guidance.
Important Safety Information
Common side effects of Voquezna include diarrhea, gastritis, abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, bloating, headache, high blood pressure, and urinary tract infections. These are usually mild, but discuss any persistent symptoms with a healthcare professional.
More serious, less common side effects can occur and require immediate medical attention. These include severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) with rash, blistering, peeling, fever, or body aches. Other serious effects are kidney inflammation (acute tubulointerstitial nephritis) with decreased urination or leg swelling, and severe Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) diarrhea with watery stools, stomach pain, and fever.
Long-term use of Voquezna is associated with an increased risk of bone fractures (hip, wrist, spine). It can also lead to low vitamin B-12 (irregular heartbeat, tingling, muscle weakness, fatigue) and low magnesium levels (dizziness, muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat). Fundic gland polyps, stomach growths, are another concern with extended use.
Voquezna is contraindicated for individuals with a known allergy to vonoprazan or its components. It should not be taken with medications containing rilpivirine, an antiretroviral used to treat HIV. Voquezna can interact with other medications, affecting their absorption or efficacy, including certain antifungals, iron supplements, and some antiretrovirals. Inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.
The safety of Voquezna during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not definitively established due to insufficient data. Animal studies show potential adverse effects on offspring, particularly liver issues, when exposed during lactation. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking Voquezna.
Proper Storage and Handling
Store Voquezna at room temperature, ideally between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep the medication in a dry place, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Store it out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider immediately for severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., swelling in the face, lips, tongue, throat, or difficulty breathing). Seek medical attention for kidney problems (decreased urination, leg swelling). Promptly consult your doctor for severe or persistent diarrhea (especially with fever), or symptoms of low vitamin B12 or magnesium.
Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or worsens after starting Voquezna. Report any new bone fracture (hip, wrist, or spine). Always contact your doctor with questions or concerns about your medication.