VONASEC 20MG TABLET

Name

Brand Name: Vonasec 20mg Tablet Common Name: Vonoprazan

Composition

Each tablet contains Vonoprazan 20 mg as the active ingredient. Vonoprazan is a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) that works by inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme in the stomach's parietal cells, thereby reducing gastric acid secretion.

Uses

VONASEC 20MG TABLET is prescribed for various acid-related conditions:

• Erosive Esophagitis: To heal damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid and relieve associated heartburn.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): To decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach, alleviating symptoms like heartburn and acid regurgitation.
• Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers: To treat and promote the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers. It also helps prevent their recurrence, especially during the use of low-dose aspirin or NSAIDs.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: Used in combination with antibiotics (like amoxicillin and clarithromycin) to eradicate H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach or intestinal ulcers.

Dosage and Administration

This medicine should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. It is typically administered once daily, with or without food, and swallowed whole with water. For healing erosive esophagitis, the usual adult dosage is 20 mg once a day for 8 weeks. For maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis, 10 mg once a day for up to 6 months may be prescribed. For H. pylori infection, 20 mg is taken twice daily in combination with specific antibiotics for 14 days.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Stomach inflammation
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• High blood pressure
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Serious side effects, though less common, can include kidney problems, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, bone fractures, severe skin reactions, low vitamin B12 levels, low magnesium levels, or fundic gland polyps (stomach growths). Consult a doctor if any severe or persistent side effects occur.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: VONASEC 20MG TABLET may be unsafe during pregnancy and should generally be avoided by breastfeeding women. Consult a doctor before use.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can reduce the effectiveness of the tablet and delay ulcer healing.
• Liver and Kidney Disorders: Caution is advised; dosage adjustments may be necessary for moderate to severe liver or kidney problems.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being taken, as Vonasec can interact with drugs like rilpivirine, nelfinavir, atazanavir, iron salts, and certain antifungals.
• Underlying Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have gastric malignancy, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or low blood levels of magnesium, calcium, or potassium.
• Older Patients: Should use with caution due to an increased risk of side effects and potential interactions with other medications.
• Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.

Storage

Store VONASEC 20MG TABLET at room temperature, below 30°C, in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions about VONASEC 20MG TAB

What is VONASEC 20MG TAB used for?

VONASEC 20MG TAB is used to treat conditions caused by excessive stomach acid, such as stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It helps to heal damage to the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat to the stomach) caused by acid and alleviates associated symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. This tablet is also prescribed in combination with antibiotics like amoxicillin and/or clarithromycin to eliminate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, which can cause stomach or intestinal ulcers. Additionally, it helps prevent the recurrence of gastric or duodenal ulcers, especially when taking low-dose aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

How does VONASEC 20MG TAB work?

VONASEC 20MG TAB contains Vonoprazan, which belongs to a class of medications called potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs). It works by inhibiting the H+, K+-ATPase enzyme (often called the proton pump) in the stomach lining's parietal cells. This enzyme is responsible for producing stomach acid. By blocking this pump, Vonoprazan significantly reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach, helping to relieve symptoms and promote healing of the esophageal and stomach lining. Unlike some other acid-reducing medications, Vonoprazan does not require stomach acid to function and can accumulate in the stomach cells regardless of their activity, offering a strong and sustained suppression of gastric acid secretion.

What is the usual dosage of VONASEC 20MG TAB?

The recommended dosage of VONASEC 20MG TAB typically depends on the condition being treated and is determined by your doctor. For healing erosive esophagitis and relieving heartburn, adults usually take 20 mg once a day for 8 weeks. For maintaining healed erosive esophagitis and relieving heartburn, a dose of 10 mg once daily for up to 6 months may be prescribed. For treating H. pylori infection, adults may take 20 mg twice a day along with 1000 mg amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin twice a day for 14 days, or 20 mg twice a day with 1000 mg amoxicillin three times a day for 14 days. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions and not alter the prescribed dosage without consulting them. The tablet should be swallowed whole with plenty of water, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of VONASEC 20MG TAB?

Common side effects of VONASEC 20MG TAB may include stomach inflammation, diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and indigestion. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, it is important to consult your doctor. Some serious, though less common, side effects can include kidney problems, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, bone fractures, severe skin reactions, low vitamin B12 levels, low magnesium levels, or fundic gland polyps (stomach growths).

Is VONASEC 20MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

VONASEC 20MG TAB is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Limited safety information is available for its use in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your doctor to assess potential risks and benefits and determine if the medication is safe for you and your baby.

Can VONASEC 20MG TAB be taken with other medications?

Yes, VONASEC 20MG TAB can interact with certain medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to prevent potential drug interactions. For example, it can interact with antiretrovirals like rilpivirine, atazanavir, and nelfinavir, potentially altering their absorption and effectiveness. It may also interact with CYP3A substrates such as verapamil or cyclosporine, and CYP2C19 substrates like clopidogrel, citalopram, and cilostazol. Medications that require a more acidic environment for absorption, such as iron salts, erlotinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, mycophenolate mofetil, and ketoconazole/itraconazole, may have reduced effectiveness when taken with VONASEC 20MG TAB.

What precautions should be taken with VONASEC 20MG TAB?

Before taking VONASEC 20MG TAB, inform your doctor if you have any allergies to its ingredients or other medications. Also, disclose any history of liver or kidney disorders, gastric malignancy (stomach cancer), acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (a kidney disorder), or Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Caution is advised for older patients due to an increased risk of side effects. You should also inform your doctor if you have low magnesium, calcium, or potassium levels in your blood, or if you are taking diuretics. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking, as they can worsen acid reflux symptoms and interfere with the medication's effectiveness. Additionally, avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods that can trigger acid reflux.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of VONASEC 20MG TAB, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

How should VONASEC 20MG TAB be stored?

VONASEC 20MG TAB should be stored at room temperature, in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets.