Voquenza VS Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI): What's the Difference

First Things First: What Are Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Proton pump inhibitors are a (very) well-established class of medications that work by inhibiting (or stopping the action of) a key biological component called a gastric “proton pump.”

These proton pumps sit in the walls of the stomach and pump charged atoms across the stomach lining to increase the acidity of the stomach environment.

These medications are very effective. There are several different types of proton pump inhibitors, each of which goes under a different brand name.

They include:

While each of these may work slightly differently or be appropriate for individuals with varied symptoms, they all work in much the same way.

Proton pump inhibitors can also have certain limitations.

In some cases, they may have a delayed onset of action. And, for some people, taking a PPI can result in long-term nutrient deficiencies or even an increased risk of infection.

This doesn’t happen for everyone—it’s just something to be aware of.

A Possible PPI Alternative: What Is Voquenza?

Voquenza (vonoprazan) is a medication belonging to a newer type of acid-suppressing drug.

Members of this newer drug class are referred to as “potassium-competitive acid blockers,” or PCABs. PCABs work a bit differently than PPIs do, but they also are able to reduce stomach acid production.

Voquenza, as a PCAB, has been approved to treat H. pylori infection and erosive esophagitis.

It works nearly immediately after the first time a patient takes it, which is a distinct advantage over PPIs (which require some time to start providing relief).

Voquenza only requires once-daily administration, and it can be taken with or without food. PPIs, on the other hand, must be taken only before meals, which may interfere with a patient’s chosen daily schedule.

Is Voquenza a PPI?

PPIs reduce stomach acid production; so does Voquenza. However, they do so in different ways—different enough that they are considered members of different classes of medications.

So, no, Voquenza is not a PPI.

PPIs work by irreversibly inhibiting proton pumps, which can prevent acid production for a long time. To achieve this, a patient needs to take several doses of PPIs before experiencing full drug efficacy.

Voquenza works by competitively blocking potassium channels.

Here, in a nutshell, is how that inhibits acid secretion and does so more quickly than traditional PPIs:

Since Voquenza works immediately and in a different way from PPIs, it’s considered a promising alternative for patients who may have had poor experiences with PPIs.

Voquenza vs. PPIs: Which Is More Effective?

However, just because Voquenza is not a PPI does not automatically mean it is superior.

In some cases, Voquenza may suppress acid more effectively.

This may not be the case for everyone, and, ultimately, which medication is more effective for you will come down to a frank analysis of your health goals and condition with your healthcare provider.

That said, there is some research indicating Voquenza can be a way to achieve better, longer-lasting acid suppression when directly compared to PPI performance.

Voquenza can also work more efficiently and reversibly, and, anecdotally, Voquenza patients report quicker heartburn and nighttime reflux relief.

Voquenza vs. PPIs: Side Effects and Safety

Both Voquenza and PPIs have a few potential side effects to consider.

Common Side Effects of PPIs

While PPIs have been taken for decades and continue to be an effective therapy, they’re not without certain risks.

If you take a PPI, you should be aware of these potential side effects:

Common Side Effects of Voquenza

Of course, Voquenza has its fair share of side effects, too.

While it’s a newer drug and the long-term effects of taking it regularly are still something that researchers are keeping a close eye on, some shorter-term possible side effects may be mild gastrointestinal effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

(Usually, these are temporary, as your body gets used to the drug.)

Who Should Consider Voquenza Over a PPI?

If you’re suffering from gastric problems and are considering either a PPI or Voquenza, the best thing you can do is talk with your doctor or healthcare professional.

Some of the things they might consider when recommending one over the other include whether you:

Voquenza vs. PPIs: Cost Comparison & Accessibility

So far, we haven’t talked about a very, very significant factor in most people’s decision-making when it comes to medications: Cost.

While Voquenza may, for some, be a more effective and efficient treatment option when compared to PPIs, is it a more affordable option, too?

How Much Does Voquenza Cost?

Voquenza is a newer medication, which generally translates to higher prices—especially when you consider that generic PPIs tend to be extremely affordable.

While the specific sticker price can vary from location to location, usually, you can buy a month’s worth of brand-name Voquenza for about $740.00 per month.

Fortunately, there are options out there that can make this much more affordable for you.

For example, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy generic Voquenza for about $1.00 per pill (or about $30.00 for a monthly supply), which is a much more reasonable fit for most people’s healthcare budgets.

How Much Do PPIs Cost?

Proton pump inhibitors have been around for decades.

Now, they come in both brand name and generic, and in both prescription and OTC forms. As a result, they can be extremely affordable.

For example, especially if you buy your PPIs through an Canadian drugs store or international online pharmacy, you may be able to find prices as low as:

Will Insurance Help?

…or, in other words: Is Voquenza covered by insurance?

This depends on your provider and the specific plan you have.

However, it’s important to realize that even if you have very good insurance right now, and your Voquenza is generously covered at the moment, that may not be a permanent solution.

Insurers change medication coverage all the time, and if a medication is more expensive for them to cover, that makes that medication a stellar candidate for lower coverage.

(And, of course, there’s the fact that in America your insurance is often tied to your employment, which can be a less-than-permanent condition, too.)

Even if you feel comfortable affording Voquenza through your current insurance plan, it’s always a good idea to have at least a backup purchasing plan in place.

For many Americans, that might be where Canadian internet pharmacies and international drugstores can be helpful.

Alternative Ways to Manage Acid Reflux Without Medication

Voquenza and PPIs can be very effective ways to reduce stomach acid, but they aren’t necessarily the only ways.

While your doctor will want you to consider prescription medications, especially if your pain is severe, you may want to think about pairing your prescription medications with helpful lifestyle changes.

Talk to your doctor about any lifestyle changes you’d like to implement. Just a few may include:

Still Have Questions? Voquenza vs. PPI FAQs

Here’s a quick lightning-round list of the top questions we see asked about Voquenza and PPIs.

Is Voquenza a PPI?

No, Voquenza is not a proton pump inhibitor (or PPI). It’s a type of medication known as a potassium-competitive acid blocker, which can work more quickly and provide longer effects than a typical PPI.

Which Works Faster: Voquenza or PPIs?

While the true answer to this question depends on your specific situation, Voquenza tends to work faster than traditional PPIs because it provides a more direct method of blocking acid production.

Are There Any Long-Term Risks With Voquenza?

Voquenza is a newer drug, so there isn’t quite as much known about its longer-term effects.

What Is the Main Advantage of Voquenza Over PPIs?

The main advantage of Voquenza over PPIs is that it can provide more consistent (and even stronger) acid suppression when compared to traditional PPIs.

If you’re a patient who has not responded well to PPIs in the past, Voquenza may be worth exploring.

Should You Choose Voquenza or a PPI?

Interested in checking out what Voquenza can do for you—while sustaining easy access to a PPI, should you be inclined to pursue traditional treatment?

Good news: By choosing to buy from a CIPA-certified Canadian online pharmacy and international drugstore, you can access many, many prescription drugs at reliably low costs, including both Voquenza and traditional proton pump inhibitors.

Once you’ve gotten an updated, valid prescription for the medication your doctor recommends, head to our Voquenza page or peruse our neatly-organized online “aisles” for the PPI treatment you seek. If you have any questions, reach out to our friendly team!

We look forward to supporting you and your healthcare journey.