Vonoprazan in the management of gastric/peptic ulcers: a systematic review of safety data

INTRODUCTION: Although potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) prompted safety concerns when first developed, they ultimately proved to have a favourable safety profile. AIM: To assess the safety of vonoprazan in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, or gastroduodenal mucosal lesions induced by chronic use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March to June 2021, a literature search was conducted using Medline via PubMed, Cochrane library, Lilacs, SciELO, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) electronic databases. After applying the eligibility criteria, 10 studies were included in this review. Of these 10 articles, vonoprazan was used as initial therapy in 6 and as maintenance therapy in 4. Adverse event rates were similar for vonoprazan and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that vonoprazan is a safe option for the management of erosive oesophagitis, gastric/peptic ulcers, or peptic ulcers induced by chronic use of aspirin or NSAIDs.