Understanding the High Retail Price of Vonoprazan (Voquezna)
Vonoprazan is a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) that treats conditions such as erosive esophagitis and H. pylori infections. Unlike older medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), vonoprazan is a newer, brand-name-only drug, which is the primary reason for its high cost. As of October 2025, no generic equivalent of vonoprazan is available in the United States, keeping the retail price high.
For a 30-tablet supply of the 20mg dose, retail prices typically range from over $800 to more than $900, depending on the specific pharmacy. The wholesale acquisition cost (WAC), or list price, for a 30-count bottle of either the 10mg or 20mg tablets is around $682.50, though this is not what consumers typically pay.
Factors Influencing Vonoprazan Costs
Several factors determine the final price a patient pays for vonoprazan:
- Insurance Coverage: For most patients with commercial insurance, the cost will be the co-pay, often around $50, if the drug is covered by their plan. However, coverage can vary significantly depending on the plan's formulary, and some patients may face higher co-insurance or be required to try other medications first.
- Dosage and Quantity: The required dosage and the number of tablets prescribed directly affect the cost. For example, higher-quantity prescriptions will naturally lead to higher total costs. The combination therapy packs, such as Voquezna Dual Pak and Triple Pak for H. pylori, also have different price structures due to the inclusion of antibiotics.
- Pharmacy Discounts: Major pharmacies offer their own discount programs or accept third-party coupons. This can lead to different prices depending on where the prescription is filled. For example, GoodRx lists prices for a 30-day supply around $672.34 with a coupon, significantly lower than some average retail prices.
- Location: The pricing of medications can also vary based on geographic location and the pharmacy market in a particular area.
How to Lower Your Vonoprazan Cost
High drug prices do not have to be a barrier to access. Patients can take several steps to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses for vonoprazan. A combination of these strategies may provide the most significant savings.
- Manufacturer Savings Card: The manufacturer, Phathom Pharmaceuticals, offers a savings card for eligible commercially insured patients. This card allows qualifying individuals to pay as little as $25 for their prescription. There are eligibility requirements, including having commercial insurance and not being enrolled in a government program like Medicare or Medicaid.
- Pharmacy Discount Coupons: Websites and apps like GoodRx and SingleCare offer free coupons that can lower the cash price of vonoprazan at participating pharmacies. These are particularly useful for uninsured individuals or those whose insurance does not cover the medication.
- BlinkRx Program: Phathom Pharmaceuticals has partnered with BlinkRx to help commercially insured patients find the most affordable option, including prior authorization support and free home delivery.
- Discuss Alternatives with Your Doctor: If cost remains a major concern, discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider. Older, generic medications like PPIs (e.g., omeprazole) are significantly cheaper and may be an effective option for your condition.
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): While specific PAPs for vonoprazan may vary, nonprofit organizations often help connect patients to assistance programs that provide free or low-cost medications to those with low incomes.
Vonoprazan vs. Other Acid Reflux Treatments: A Cost Comparison
Vonoprazan is part of a newer class of acid blockers, so it is helpful to compare its cost and features with more established treatments. The table below outlines key differences between vonoprazan and the widely used PPI, omeprazole.
| Feature | Vonoprazan (Voquezna) | Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker (PCAB) | Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) |
| Cost | High. Retail prices ~$670-$930+ for 30 tablets; lower with insurance/coupons. | Low. Widely available in generic form for a fraction of the cost. |
| Availability | Brand-name only (Voquezna). | Available as a brand name (Prilosec) and many low-cost generics. |
| Mechanism | Competitively inhibits the proton pump, providing fast and potent acid suppression. | Irreversibly blocks the proton pump, but requires activation in an acidic environment and can take longer for full effect. |
| Taken With Food? | Can be taken with or without food, offering more flexibility. | Best taken on an empty stomach to maximize effectiveness. |
The Future of Vonoprazan Pricing: Generic Availability
Since vonoprazan is a new medication, its patents and market exclusivity protect it from generic competition. This means that for the foreseeable future, the drug will remain a brand-name product with a high retail price. Once its patents expire, typically after several years, generic manufacturers will be able to produce and sell low-cost versions, which will dramatically lower the medication's cost. This pattern is consistent with the history of many brand-name drugs that become widely affordable once generic options become available. Therefore, patients and healthcare providers can anticipate significant cost reductions in the future, but these savings are not currently an option.
Conclusion
The cost of vonoprazan, marketed as Voquezna, is a significant consideration for patients due to its status as a new, brand-name-only medication. While average retail prices are high, often exceeding several hundred dollars per month, insurance coverage can greatly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for many. Furthermore, a variety of cost-saving strategies exist, including the manufacturer's savings card and pharmacy coupons, which can bring the price down to as little as $25 for eligible commercially insured patients. For those without insurance or facing high costs, comparing prices, utilizing discount programs, and exploring cheaper generic alternatives like omeprazole with a healthcare provider are the best ways to manage expenses. For more information on patient programs, refer to the manufacturer's website: voquezna.com.
