Vonaspire 20 mg is a brand of vonoprazan (20 mg strength) manufactured by Inspire Pharma (or marketed under that name in some countries). For example: “Vonaspire 20 mg 14 tablets” is listed with that brand and strength.
Vonoprazan is a type of acid-suppression drug known as a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB).
It works differently from the older proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Table of Contents
How does Vonaspire 20 work?
In your stomach, acid is produced by cells called parietal cells via an enzyme called H⁺/K⁺-ATPase (the “proton pump”).
Vonoprazan blocks this pump by competing with potassium (hence “potassium-competitive”) and thereby suppresses acid production.
Because of its mechanism, it tends to act quickly and maintain acid suppression well. For example, in trials 20 mg once daily raised pH and sustained acid suppression.
Vonaspire 20 is not greatly affected by variations in the CYP2C19 enzyme (which can affect PPIs) so it may be more reliable in some patients.
What is Vonaspire 20 used for?
Main uses
According to official prescribing information and product resources, vonoprazan (thus Vonaspire) is used for:
Healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to the oesophagus from stomach acid) and relief of heartburn associated with it. Maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis (i.e., preventing it from coming back) and relief of ongoing heartburn.
As part of therapy for infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) — in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin and clarithromycin) to eradicate the bacteria.
Treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) even when non-erosive in some jurisdictions.
Provided description lists:
- “Treatment of erosive esophagitis (heartburn)”
- “Prevention of post-variceal band ligation cer” [Note: likely a typo for “prevention of post-variceal band ligation bleeding” or similar]
- “Adjunct to Helicobacter pylori eradication”
- While the “post variceal band ligation” prevention is less commonly cited in major sources (I did not find a prominent source confirming that exact indication), the other uses align with established uses of vonoprazan.
- Important: The exact approved indications may vary by country/brand, so local regulatory status should be checked.
Dosage & how to take it
The “standard” adult dose for healing erosive oesophagitis: 20 mg once daily for about 8 weeks (in many cases).
For maintenance, the dose may be 10 mg once daily for up to 6 months in some cases.
For H. pylori infection: there are “dual” or “triple” therapy regimens — e.g., vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily + antibiotics for 14 days.
According to your product description: “Take 1 tablet once daily by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor… Take at evenly spaced times… same time every day.” That aligns with typical once-daily dosing.
Important: Always follow your doctor’s instructions. The version you have (20 mg tablet pack of 14) suggests a 2-week supply in your example.
Benefits & advantages
Here are some of the advantages of vonoprazan / Vonaspire:
- Faster onset of effect compared to some older PPIs — because PCABs like vonoprazan act quicker.
- More consistent acid suppression (not so much influenced by genetic variation of CYP2C19).
- Good for patients who have not responded well to PPIs.
- Works with or without food. (Your description: with or without food.) Official label: with or without food.
Side Effects & What to Watch For
Common side effects
According to sources:
- stomach pain, indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence.
- headache, elevated blood pressure, common cold-like symptoms.
- Dyspepsia, nausea.
Serious but less common side effects / warnings
- Severe diarrhea (possibly Clostridioides difficile) or severe stomach pain — seek medical attention.
- Allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) — stop and seek help.
- For long-term use: there may be risks like low magnesium, Vitamin B12 deficiency, or fundic gland polyps (seen with long-term acid suppression) though more data may accumulate.
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. For example: renal impairment <30 mL/min: reduce to 10 mg once daily for healing. Pregnant or trying to conceive? Discuss with your doctor (safety data may be limited).
Inform your doctor of all medications you take (including over-the-counter, herbal) because interactions are possible though fewer than PPIs.
If you miss a dose: For healing phase, if within 12 hours take it; if beyond, skip and take next dose on schedule.
Special Considerations
Although your product description mentions “prevention of post-variceal band ligation bleeding”, this indication is not widely documented in standard labels I reviewed. So it may be a regional/local manufacturers’ claim or additional use; you should verify locally/regulator-approved uses in your country.
- Brand names differ by region (e.g., Voquezna in the U.S.).
- Price, availability, pack size vary by country (your example: 14 tablets, SKU etc.).
- Always use under medical supervision. Even though it may improve symptoms rapidly, underlying causes (eg, ulcers, H. pylori, reflux) still need appropriate evaluation.
In short
Vonaspire 20 mg (vonoprazan 20 mg) is a modern acid-suppressing tablet used mostly for healing and maintaining erosive oesophagitis (acid damage to the oesophagus), relief of heartburn, and as part of H. pylori eradication regimens. It works more quickly and reliably than older drugs like PPIs in many cases. As with all medications: follow your doctor’s dose instructions, monitor for side-effects, and discuss your full medical history (kidney, liver, other drugs).