Vonoprazan - oral

Vonoprazan is a gastric medicine.

It 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 disease (also known as "heartburn", in which food or acid from your stomach backs up into your mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste).

This medicine may also be used together with other medicines to treat ulcer caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.

Vonoprazan can also be used to prevent stomach irritation and ulceration caused by certain medicines for pain and inflammation, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Vonoprazan treats these conditions by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

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.

Vonoprazan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine 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 less than 5 hours before the next dose is due, 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 this medicine with rilpivirine, atazanavir or nelfinavir (medicines for HIV infection).

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• other stomach condition or disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Vonoprazan may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, feeling of enlarged stomach, changes in taste, swelling of mouth and lips, and rash.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• pain or tenderness in the stomach when pressed, blood in stool, tiredness, pale skin, weakness
• 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
• watery diarrhoea, stomach pain, cramps or tenderness, pus or mucus in stool

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, atazanavir and nelfinavir (medicines for HIV infection).

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for cancer e.g. gefitinib, nilotinib
• medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole
• 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 medicine, 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.