Vonzito ® (Vonoprazan)

Dosage form:

Film-coated tablets 10 mg, 20 mg

What is Vonoprazan (Vonzito®) used for?

• It is used to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called Erosive Esophagitis) and to relieve heartburn related to Erosive Esophagitis.
• It is used to maintain the healing of Erosive Esophagitis and related heartburn.
• It is used along with antibiotics to treat a certain type of infection (H. pylori) that causes gastrointestinal ulcers.

Important notes before taking Vonoprazan (Vonzito®):

• If you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have low magnesium, calcium, or potassium in your blood, or you are taking a medicine to increase urine (diuretic).
• If you have kidney or liver problems.
• If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if vonoprazan will harm your unborn baby.
• If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if vonoprazan passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take vonoprazan or breastfeed. You should not do both.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor. 

Important notes while taking Vonoprazan (Vonzito®):

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

• This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Vonoprazan side effects:

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Some people may develop a kidney problem called acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, which causes a decrease in the amount of urine, or bloody urine.
• Diarrhea caused by an infection (Clostridioides difficile) with symptoms of watery stools, stomach pain, or fever that does not go away.
• Bone fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine may happen in people who take multiple daily doses of another type of medicine that reduces acid in your stomach, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI medicines), for a long period (a year or longer).
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency; Vonoprazan lowers the amount of acid in your stomach. Stomach acid is needed to absorb Vitamin B12 properly. The symptoms of low vitamin B12 levels include irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, muscle weakness, pale skin, feeling tired, or mood changes.
• Low magnesium levels in the body can happen in people who take Vonoprazan. The symptoms of low magnesium levels include seizures, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, jitteriness, muscle aches or weakness, or spasms of the hands, feet, or voice.
• Stomach growths (fundic gland polyps). A certain type of stomach growth called fundic gland polyps may happen in people who take Vonoprazan for a long time (more than a year).

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Nose or throat irritation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not use this drug after the expiry date. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs.