Potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB)
VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan fumarate) is a medication used to treat acid-related stomach issues. It works by blocking the enzyme system that produces stomach acid, helping to heal damage in the esophagus and relieve heartburn. It can be used alone or combined with antibiotics to treat H. pylori infections.
How it worksThis drug works as a potassium-competitive acid blocker. It stops the final step of acid production in the stomach by blocking the 'proton pump' enzyme.
Brand names:VOQUEZNA
How to take
Dosage depends on whether you are healing esophagitis, maintaining healing, relieving heartburn, or treating H. pylori. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Take the tablets whole; do not chew or crush them. You can take them with or without food.
Key warnings
- ·Feeling better does not mean a stomach cancer is not present; follow-up testing may be needed.
- ·Long-term use may lead to low magnesium or calcium levels.
- ·Long-term use may cause Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- ·Use the shortest duration possible to avoid risks of bone fractures or C. diff diarrhea.
Do not use if
- ·Known allergy to vonoprazan or any of its ingredients.
- ·Use with rilpivirine-containing products.
Side effects
Common
Serious
- ·Severe skin reactions or signs of allergy
- ·Kidney inflammation (acute tubulointerstitial nephritis)
- ·C. difficile-associated diarrhea
- ·Increased risk of bone fractures
- ·Vitamin B12 deficiency
- ·Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia)
- ·Growth of fundic gland polyps in the stomach
Seek help if
- ·Signs of an allergic reaction
- ·Severe diarrhea
- ·Severe skin rash
Interactions
- ·Do not use VOQUEZNA with rilpivirine-containing products.
- ·Avoid using VOQUEZNA with atazanavir.
- ·Vonoprazan may change how your body absorbs certain HIV medications (antiretrovirals).
- ·It may interact with other acid-reducing drugs like Protonix, Nexium, or Prilosec.
Special populations
PregnancyThere are no well-controlled studies on vonoprazan in pregnant women. A registry exists to track outcomes for women who take this drug during pregnancy.
PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of VOQUEZNA have not been proven in children.
GeriatricClinical trials included patients aged 65 and older; use with caution as directed by a doctor.
Talk to your doctor
Monitor
- ·Magnesium and calcium levels
- ·Vitamin B12 levels
- ·Signs of severe skin reactions
- ·Symptoms of C. diff (severe diarrhea)
Questions to ask
- ·Should I monitor my magnesium or calcium levels?
- ·How long should I stay on this medication?
- ·Are there any interactions with my HIV medications?
- ·Do I need follow-up testing for stomach cancer?
Pharmacokinetics
Practical
StorageStore between 68°F and 77°F (15°C to 30°C).
Ingredients
Inactive
Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.
