What It Is Used For
Vonoprazan is a newer type of acid blocker. It is used to heal and prevent inflammation of the food pipe caused by acid reflux, to relieve heartburn, for stomach and duodenal ulcers, and with antibiotics to clear H. pylori infection.
How to Take It
Usually 20 mg once a day, with or without food. After healing, 10 mg once a day may be used to prevent symptoms returning. For H. pylori it is taken twice a day with antibiotics, usually for 14 days.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you are allergic to vonoprazan, or if you take the HIV medicines rilpivirine, atazanavir or nelfinavir.
Side Effects
Common: diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, stomach pain and swelling. Long-term use may raise the risk of some gut infections and low vitamin B12.
Precautions
See a doctor first if you have weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood or black stools. Tell your doctor about kidney or liver disease.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is limited information. Use only if a doctor advises it.
Interactions
Tell your doctor about all your medicines, especially HIV medicines, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, clarithromycin and digoxin.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children.