Vonoprazan is used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach, such as ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine), and reflux oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus due to reflux disease or "heartburn" [burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth]).
This medicine is also used in the prevention of ulcers associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation).
Vonoprazan may also be used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.
This medicine treats these conditions by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Take Vonoprazan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of Vonoprazan will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Vonoprazan even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Vonoprazan with certain medicines for HIV infection, such as rilpivirine and atazanavir.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
For as long as you are taking Vonoprazan, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood magnesium levels) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Vonoprazan may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, stomach discomfort, bloatedness, changes in taste, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe diarrhoea, watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, fever
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Vonoprazan with rilpivirine and atazanavir (medicines for HIV infection).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. amoxicillin, clarithromycin
- medicines for cancer e.g. gefitinib, nilotinib, erlotinib
- itraconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- nelfinavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Vonoprazan.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not eat raw food or food that is not cooked thoroughly, such as sushi and soft-boiled eggs. Meat should be cooked until well-done. Do not take unpasteurised whole milk, cheese or fruit juices. Spicy food and carbonated "fizzy" drinks like soft drinks should also be avoided.
Eat small but frequent meals as large single meals may increase the pressure in your stomach leading to reflux.
You should try to avoid lying down soon after eating as this may worsen reflux symptoms.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet with your doctor or dietitian as a change in diet may help improve your symptoms.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
