What is this medication for?

Vonoprazan is used for the:

• Treatment of gastrointestinal (including the stomach and duodenum) ulcers including those caused by certain drugs (particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]).

• Treatment of acid reflux / gastroesophageal reflux disease.

How should I take/use this medication?

• You may take this medication without regard to food.

• If your symptoms worsen despite treatment with this medication, consult your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

• Gastrointestinal-side effects including diarrhoea and constipation. If these adverse events are persistent or troublesome, inform your healthcare professionals.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

• Difficulty in breathing

• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

In rare cases, this medication may affect your liver. If you experience signs and symptoms of liver problems including darkened urine, fatigue, persistent gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, light coloured stools, persistent nausea and vomiting and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, consult your healthcare professional.

In rare cases, this medication may cause a severe form of diarrhoea. If you suffer persistent abdominal pain, diarrhoea and/or bloody stools inform your healthcare professional.

On prolonged use, this medication may lower your blood magnesium level. Common symptoms include persistent diarrhoea and gastrointestinal discomfort. However in severe circumstances, seizures and/or altered heart rhythm may occur. Should you experience such symptoms, inform your healthcare professional immediately.

High dose and/or prolonged use of this medication has been associated with a small increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Vonoprazan can generally be taken with most other foods or medications. However, taking Vonoprazan with some medications may reduce their effect, such as some medications used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Disease (HIV).

Hence, please inform your healthcare professionals if you are taking other medications or herbal preparations.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated: Jun 2022