GENERIC NAME: Voclosporin
BRAND NAME (S): Lupkynis
DRUG CLASS: Calcineurin Inhibitors
WHAT IS LUPKYNIS?
Lupkynis (Voclosporin) is a medication used along with other medicines to treat kidney problems such as active lupus nephritis in the people with system lupus erythematous (SLE). It belongs to a class of drugs called calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant.
LUPKYNIS DOSING INFORMATION:
Usual adult dose of Voclosporin for lupus nephritis is 23.7 mg orally twice a day.
LUPKYNIS SIDE EFFECTS:
Common Lupkynis (Voclosporin) side effects may include:
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Anemia
- Stomach pain
- Tremors
- Mouth sores
- Hair loss
- Tiredness
- Painful urination
- Cough
- Heartburn, loss of appetite, diarrhea.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious health side-effects, such as:
- Signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Vision changes
- Mental or mood changes such as confusion, changes in alertness.
Get emergency medical help right away if you have any very serious health side-effects, including:
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Fast or irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to Lupkynis is rare. However, see your doctor or healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rashes
- Severe dizziness
- Itching
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling; especially of the face, tongue or throat.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking Lupkynis (Voclosporin) medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergy.
Before using this drug, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Recent or current infections
- Low levels of potassium in the blood
- Low levels of magnesium in the blood
- Low red blood cell count or anemia such as unusual tiredness, pale skin, short of breath, cold hands and feet.
Tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. This medicine contains alcohol and may harm a developing baby. Ask your doctor for more details.
Voclosporin medication passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Do not consume alcohol while taking Voclosporin. It can make you more dizzy.
INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor or healthcare provider, if you are taking any other medications. Some medicines may interfere with Voclosporin. They may include:
- Cyclophosphamide
- Medicines for heart disease
- Certain medications for asthma
- Medications for depression, or other mental illness
- Cancer medicines
- High blood pressure medicines
- Medicines for malaria
- HIV drugs
- Diuretics or “water pills” such as Amiloride, Spironolactone.
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