Study on Vonoprazan to Prevent Ulcers After Endoscopic Variceal Band Ligation in Adults with Liver Cirrhosis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether the medicine vonoprazan can help prevent ulcers that sometimes develop after endoscopic variceal band ligation EVBL in adults with liver cirrhosis. The study also aims to find out if vonoprazan is well tolerated and if it reduces swallowing pain or chest discomfort compared with a placebo. This is a Phase 2 randomized controlled trial led by King Edward Medical University. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either vonoprazan 20 mg or a placebo tablet once daily for 14 days following EVBL. Vonoprazan works by strongly suppressing gastric acid, which may help prevent ulcers and improve symptoms after the procedure. Both groups will continue their usual medical care for liver disease, and the study is double-blinded, meaning neither participants nor doctors know which treatment is given until after data analysis. During the study, participants will take the assigned medication by mouth daily and return about two weeks later for a follow-up endoscopy to check for ulcers. They will also report symptoms such as pain, nausea, or swallowing difficulties throughout the study. Researchers will measure the number and severity of ulcers, changes in pain scores, and monitor safety and tolerability. The study is expected to last about six months.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Vonoprazan in Preventing Post-Endoscopic Variceal Band Ligation Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Trial