What is Voquezna prescribed for?
Voquenza is indicated for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in adults.
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
Voquezna, pronounced voh-kez-nah, (generic name:vonoprazan) recently approved by the FDA, is a medication designed to treat erosive esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
These conditions are typically characterized by severe acid reflux that can damage the lining of the esophagus. Voquezna helps by reducing the amount of stomach acid, which alleviates symptoms and promotes healing of the esophagus.
How does it work?
Voquezna contains vonoprazan, a type of medication known as a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB).
Unlike traditional treatments that block the final step of acid production, vonoprazan works by directly blocking the potassium ions essential for acid secretion in the stomach.
This action reduces acid production more efficiently, providing relief from symptoms associated with acid reflux.
What did the research discover?
The effectiveness of Voquezna was confirmed through clinical trials involving 992 adults diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection, which can lead to ulcers and is associated with GERD.
The studies showed that Voquezna, in both its triple and dual pack forms, was effective in eradicating H. pylori infections and was generally more effective than the comparator drugs used in the study.
What are some of the side effects?
The side effects listed are from the product manufacturer. As health scientists, we share this information to keep you informed without causing undue worry. Many side effects diminish over time, and not all patients experience them. If prescribed medication, take it as directed and consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerning side effects.
- Diarrhea
- Altered taste (dysgeusia)
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
- Serious allergic reactions (rare)
- Potential liver issues (rare)
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Voquezna is prescribed in two forms, each tailored for specific treatment needs. The Voquezna Triple Pak, which includes vonoprazan, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin, should be taken twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, 12 hours apart. Each session involves a single dose of vonoprazan 20 mg, amoxicillin 1,000 mg, and clarithromycin 500 mg.
On the other hand, the Voquezna Dual Pak, which contains vonoprazan and amoxicillin only, is recommended to be taken three times a day—morning, mid-day, and evening.
This regimen includes a dose of vonoprazan 20 mg and amoxicillin 1,000 mg each time. Both forms are to be taken for a duration of 14 days and can be consumed with or without food, depending on the patient’s preference or as advised by their healthcare provider.
Source:
Drug Trials Snapshots: VOQUEZNA TRIPLE PAK, VOQUEZNA DUAL PAK. FDA. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-voquezna-triple-pak-voquezna-dual-pak. Accessed 2024 July 11.
Highlights of Prescribing Information for VOQUEZNA TRIPLE PAK and VOQUEZNA DUAL PAK. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215152s000,215153s000lbl.pdf. Accessed 2024 July 11.
