Voquezna (vonoprazan) is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for certain stomach and esophagus conditions in adults. Voquezna also comes in combination packages. It’s typically taken once or twice daily. The dosage can vary depending on several factors.
Voquezna is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to:
- heal erosive esophagitis related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- maintain healing of erosive esophagitis and relieve heartburn
- relieve heartburn related to GERD without esophagitis
Voquezna is also approved in combination with certain antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
Voquezna belongs to a drug class called potassium-competitive acid blockers. Voquezna and its combination packages do not come in generic versions.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Voquezna, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For more information, see this comprehensive article about Voquezna.
Note:This article describes typical dosages for Voquezna provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Voquezna, always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Read on for more information about the forms, strengths, and dosages of Voquezna.
Voquezna forms and strengths
Voquezna comes as an oral tablet in two strengths: 10 milligrams (mg) and 20 mg.
The active ingredient of Voquezna (vonoprazan) also comes co-packaged with oral antibiotics in the following brand-name medications:
- Voquezna Dual Pak is a 14-day supply of daily-dose blister cards that contain:
- vonoprazan tablets: 20 mg
- amoxicillin capsules: 500 mg
- Voquezna Triple Pak is a 14-day supply of daily-dose blister cards that contain:
- vonoprazan tablets: 20 mg
- amoxicillin capsules: 500 mg
- clarithromycin tablets: 500 mg
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Sometimes, doctors may adjust your dosage from those in the following table.
Dosage for erosive esophagitis
Doctors may prescribe Voquezna to heal erosive esophagitis and relieve heartburn. Voquezna can also be used to maintain healing and relieve symptoms. The following table highlights the typically recommended dosages for these possible phases of treatment.
| Use | Dosage | Length of treatment |
|---|---|---|
| healing | 20 mg once per day | 8 weeks |
| maintenance | 10 mg once per day | up to 6 months |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor. To learn more about your condition, refer to this article about esophagitis healing.
Dosage for heartburn related to GERD without esophagitis
Doctors also prescribe Voquezna to ease heartburn related to GERD without esophagitis. This condition is also known as non-erosive reflux disease because it doesn’t damage the esophagus.
The typical Voquezna dose for this use is 10 mg. You’ll take this once per day for 4 weeks.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the dosage you need to manage your condition.
Dosage for H. pylori infection
Voquezna is approved in combination with antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection. Your doctor will prescribe dual therapy (Voquezna plus amoxicillin) or triple therapy (Voquezna plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin).
Dual and triple therapy are available co-packaged as the Voquezna Dual Pak and Voquezna Triple Pak described earlier. While these offer convenient dosing schedules, your doctor may prescribe the individual drugs (Voquezna, amoxicillin, clarithromycin) separately if needed.
The following table summarizes the dosage schedule for dual and triple therapy. If your doctor prescribes the Voquezna Dual Pak or Triple Pak, the blister cards specify when you’ll take each dose.
| Treatment option | Brand-name medication | Dosage | Length of treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual therapy | Voquezna Dual Pak | To be taken as indicated: • 20 mg Voquezna, twice per day • 1,000 mg amoxicillin, three times per day | 14 days |
| Triple therapy | Voquezna Triple Pak | To be taken twice per day (12 hours apart): • 20 mg Voquezna • 1,000 mg amoxicillin • 500 mg clarithromycin | 14 days |
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage. For more information about dual versus triple therapy, see the question, “When do doctors prescribe Voquezna Dual Pak vs. Voquezna Triple Pak for H. pylori?” later in this article.
How to take Voquezna
Voquezna comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. Do not crush, chew, break, or divide the tablet. You may take your dose with or without food. The same guidance applies to Voquezna Dual Pak and Voquezna Triple Pak.
It may be helpful to take Voquezna around the same time (or times) of the day. If you miss a dose, refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” later in this article.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this step-by-step guide for tips on how to take them. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have any questions about how to take Voquezna, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s website for tips about taking Voquezna and the combination packages.
Length of treatment
Voquezna is typically meant to be a short-term treatment. You can refer to earlier sections for treatment times for the drug’s approved uses.
Before you start taking Voquezna, your doctor will explain your treatment plan. Talk with them to better understand how long you can expect to take Voquezna.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
It’s important that you don’t take more Voquezna than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may cause harmful effects or overdose.
Be sure to take the Voquezna Dual Pak or Triple Pak as prescribed. Each drug can have specific overdose effects. For example, overdose symptoms of clarithromycin can include vomiting and diarrhea. Amoxicillin overdose may cause kidney problems. Learn more about amoxicillin side effects.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Voquezna
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much medication. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Here are some frequently asked questions about Voquezna.
What should I do for a missed dose of Voquezna?
What you do for a missed dose depends on the condition you’re taking the drug to treat.
For esophagitis, you should take the missed dose if you remember within 12 hours. If it’s been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
For H. pylori, you should take the missed dose if you remember within 4 hours. If it’s been more than 4 hours, skip the missed dose and continue your usual dosing schedule.
Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one. If you’re unsure whether to take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
When do doctors prescribe Voquezna Dual Pak vs. Voquezna Triple Pak for H. pylori?
Doctors typically prescribe triple therapy (Voquezna plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin or Voquezna Triple Pak) to treat H. pylori infection. They may prescribe dual therapy (Voquezna plus amoxicillin or Voquezna Dual Pak) if there’s evidence of clarithromycin resistance or intolerance.
Resistance refers to H. pylori bacteria being able to survive (resist) treatment with the antibiotic. If your doctor identifies or suspects clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori, they’ll likely prescribe dual therapy instead. Intolerance refers to being unable to take clarithromycin, such as due to allergic reaction.
Your doctor will prescribe the medication that’s right for your condition. If you have questions about this or your dosage, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.