Vonix 10 Tablet 1 Strip

Vonix contains vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) that reduces stomach acid production. It is used to treat acid-related gastrointestinal disorders, promote ulcer healing, prevent ulcer recurrence, and support the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infections.

Indications

Vonix is indicated for:

• Gastric ulcer
• Duodenal ulcer
• Reflux esophagitis (GERD)
• Prevention of recurrent gastric or duodenal ulcers in patients taking low-dose aspirin
• Prevention of recurrent gastric or duodenal ulcers associated with long-term NSAID use
• Adjunctive treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication in:
  • Gastric ulcer
  • Duodenal ulcer
  • Gastric MALT lymphoma
  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
  • Post-endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer
  • H. pylori gastritis

How It Works

Vonoprazan belongs to a class of medicines known as potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs). It works by reversibly blocking the gastric proton pump (H+, K+-ATPase), which is responsible for acid secretion in the stomach.

Unlike proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), vonoprazan does not require activation in an acidic environment and provides rapid, potent, and sustained suppression of gastric acid production. This helps promote healing of ulcers and reduces acid-related symptoms.

Dosage and Administration

Gastric Ulcer

• 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks

Duodenal Ulcer

• 20 mg once daily for 6 weeks

Reflux Esophagitis

• 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks
• Treatment may be extended up to 8 weeks if necessary

Maintenance Therapy for Reflux Esophagitis

• 10 mg once daily
• May be increased to 20 mg daily if symptom control is inadequate

Prevention of Ulcer Recurrence

During low-dose aspirin therapy

• 10 mg once daily

During NSAID therapy

• 10 mg once daily

Helicobacter pylori Eradication

First-line therapy (7 days):

• Vonoprazan 20 mg
• Amoxicillin 750 mg
• Clarithromycin 200 mg
• Taken twice daily

Alternative regimen (if initial treatment fails):

• Vonoprazan 20 mg
• Amoxicillin 750 mg
• Metronidazole 250 mg
• Taken twice daily for 7 days

Administration

• Can be taken with or without food.
• Food timing does not significantly affect its effectiveness.

Contraindications

Vonix should not be used in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to vonoprazan or any ingredient in the formulation
• Concurrent use of:
  • Atazanavir
  • Nelfinavir
  • Rilpivirine

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal bloating
• Rash
• Urticaria (hives)
• Edema
• Eosinophilia

Less commonly, liver-related effects may occur, including:

• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT)
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Hepatotoxicity
• Jaundice

Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported rarely.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Vonix should be used during pregnancy only when the expected benefit outweighs potential risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

Because it is unknown whether vonoprazan passes into breast milk, breastfeeding should generally be avoided during treatment unless the medication is considered essential.

Precautions and Warnings

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
• Patients receiving long-term therapy should be monitored regularly, including endoscopic evaluation when appropriate.
• Maintenance treatment for reflux esophagitis should be reserved for patients with recurrent disease.
• Dose reduction or discontinuation should be considered when symptoms remain controlled over time.
• Monitor for signs of liver dysfunction during treatment.

Use in Special Populations

Elderly Patients

Use cautiously, as age-related declines in liver and kidney function may increase drug exposure.

Children and Adolescents

Safety and efficacy have not been established in individuals under 18 years of age. Use is not recommended.

Renal Impairment

• Mild to moderate impairment (eGFR 30–89 mL/min): No dose adjustment required.
• Severe impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min): Use is generally not recommended.

Hepatic Impairment

• Mild impairment (Child-Pugh A): No dose adjustment required.
• Moderate to severe impairment (Child-Pugh B or C): Use should be avoided.

Overdose

There is limited information regarding overdose. Vonoprazan is not removed by hemodialysis. In the event of overdose, supportive and symptomatic treatment should be provided.

Therapeutic Class

Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker (P-CAB)

Storage

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the reach of children.