Vonoprazan and Amoxicillin

Vonoprazan and amoxicillin are used to treat and prevent infections caused byH. pylori, a type of bacteria that causes ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine). Vonoprazan is in a class of medications called potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCAB). Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called antibiotics. Vonoprazan works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. Amoxicillin work by stopping the growth of the bacteria that may cause ulcers. 

Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Vonoprazan comes as a tablet and amoxicillin comes as a capsule, both to be taken by mouth. Take vonoprazan tablets with or without food twice a day, 12 hours apart, for 14 days. Take amoxicillin capsules with or without food three times a day (every 8 hours) for 14 days. To help you take the right number of capsules and tablets at each dose, the medication is packaged in dosing cards. Each dosing card contains all of the medication needed for your daily doses. 

Take the medication exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Take vonoprazan and amoxicillin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking antibiotics too soon your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking vonoprazan and amoxicillin,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• you should know that some medications should not be taken with vonoprazan and amoxicillin. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with vonoprazan and amoxicillin. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take with your doctor and pharmacist before starting vonoprazan and amoxicillin. Before starting, stopping or changing any medications while taking vonoprazan and amoxicillin, get the advice of your healthcare provider.
• you should know that the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with vonoprazan and amoxicillin: St. John's wort. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medication before you start taking vonoprazan and amoxicillin. Do not start this medication while taking vonoprazan and amoxicillin without discussing with your healthcare provider
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had mononucleosis (a virus; also called 'mono'), or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking vonoprazan and amoxicillin, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. If you breastfeed while you are taking vonoprazan and amoxacillin, your baby may receive some of the medication in the breast milk. Watch your baby closely for diarrhea, vomiting, or rash.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose (one vonoprazan tablet and two amoxicillin capsules) as soon as you remember it. However, if it is within 4 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Vonoprazan and amoxicillin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• headache
• sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
• vaginal itching and/or discharge

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• blistering or peeling skin
• rash; hives; itching; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
• severe vomiting that may occur 1 to 4 hours after you take vonoprazan and amoxicillin
• difficulty urinating or decreased urination
• cloudy or bloody urine

Vonoprazan and amoxicillin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• cloudy or bloody urine
• decreased urination, difficulty urinating

Keep all appointments with your doctor and laboratory.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking vonoprazan and amoxicillin.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

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