What is Lupkynis (voclosporin) for?
Lupkynis (voclosporin) is a medicine for adults with active lupus nephritis (LN). It’s used with other treatments to help the immune system. It works by reducing the immune system’s activity.
Don’t take Lupkynis (voclosporin) with cyclophosphamide.
It comes in capsules, each with 7.9 mg voclosporin.
How does Lupkynis (voclosporin) work?
About 50% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) get lupus nephritis (LN). LN causes kidney damage and raises the risk of kidney failure and death.
Voclosporin blocks a protein called calcineurin. This protein helps T cells in the immune system. By stopping T cells, voclosporin reduces kidney inflammation and damage.
Where has Lupkynis (voclosporin) been approved?
Lupkynis (voclosporin) is approved for LN by:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA on January 22, 2021.
It was approved quickly and was fast-tracked by the FDA in 2016.
This medicine might be approved in other places too. If you have questions, contact our support team.
How is Lupkynis (voclosporin) taken?
The usual dose is:
- 23.7 mg (3 capsules) as a starting dose, taken orally twice a day
It’s used with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).
Take the tablets whole on an empty stomach. Do this 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Try to take it every 12 hours, with at least 8 hours between doses.
Before starting, get an accurate kidney function test. Your dose will depend on this. Your doctor may adjust it. Keep an eye on your kidney function and blood pressure during treatment.
Lupkynis (voclosporin) can change how other medicines work. Tell your doctor about all your medicines.
For more details on dosage and how to take it, see the official prescribing information. Find it here.
Note: Always talk to your doctor about your specific needs.
Are there any known adverse reactions or side effects of Lupkynis (voclosporin)?
Common adverse reactions
The most common side effects ( ≥3% of patients) include:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Cough
- Urinary tract infection
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Loss of hair (alopecia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Mouth ulcers
- Tiredness (fatigue)
Serious adverse reactions
The serious side effects listed in the prescribing information include:
- Increased risk of cancer
- Increased risk of infection
- Kidney problems
- Nervous system problems
Use in a specific population
Lupkynis (voclosporin) can be fatal for a fetus. It is advised to avoid pregnancies and breastfeeding.
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions. This includes if you:
- Plan to receive any vaccines. You should not receive live vaccines while on Lupkynis (voclosporin) treatment.
- Have or have had liver, kidney, or heart problems.
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
For a comprehensive list of side effects and adverse reactions, please refer to the official prescribing information.
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