Uses
What is Lupkynis used for?
Lupkynis (voclosporin) is commonly used for active lupus nephritis.
Lupkynis may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Lupkynis work (mechanism of action)?
Lupkynis belongs to a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by weakening the immune system and preventing it from attacking the kidneys.
How is Lupkynis supplied (dosage forms)?
Lupkynis is available as 7.9 mg oral capsules that are taken by mouth.
How should I store Lupkynis?
Lupkynis should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not remove capsules from original packaging until ready to take.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Lupkynis?
The most common side effects of Lupkynis are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Kidney damage (see below)
- Increased blood pressure (see below)
- Diarrhea
- Nervous system problems (see below)
- Anemia (see below)
- Cough
- Kidney or bladder infection
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Tiredness
- Decreased appetite
There may be other side effects of Lupkynis that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Lupkynis?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Lupkynis are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Cancer. Lupkynis can increase the risk of certain types of cancers. These cancers include skin cancer and cancer of the lymph glands (lymphoma). You should wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you are in the sun, and you should also avoid tanning beds. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Swollen glands (lymph nodes) often in the neck, armpit, or groin that are painless
- Cough
- Fever, night sweats, tiredness, weight loss, or itching
- Bumps on skin
- New moles or ones that change in shape, color, or size
Infection. Lupkynis can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare provider if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.
- Warm, red, or painful areas on your skin
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Weight loss
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Lupkynis. Your healthcare provider will be monitoring your kidneys with blood work. Keep all your appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Lupkynis may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.
If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 165 mm HG or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 105 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.
- Sudden severe headache
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurry or other changes to vision
- Anxiety
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nosebleed
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Nervous System Problems. Lupkynis may cause problems with your nerves. Some of the problems may be severe, while others are mild. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Confusion
- Changes in alertness
- Muscle tremors
- Numbness or tingling
- Headache
- Seizure
- Vision changes
- Changes in motor or sensory function
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Lupkynis can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
- Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Heart Rhythm Changes. Lupkynis may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.
Anemia. Lupkynis may cause anemia, which is a condition that causes low levels of red blood cells. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Cold hands and feet
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Shortness of breath
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lupkynis may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Lupkynis and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Lupkynis?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Lupkynis.
- Lupkynis
- Voclosporin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lupkynis.
Drug Interactions. Lupkynis should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Lupkynis tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about Lupkynis before using it?
Do not use Lupkynis unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Swallow the whole capsule. Do not crush, break, chew, or dissolve the capsule before swallowing it. Take it on an empty stomach either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take your doses 12 hours apart with not less than 8 hours between doses.
Do not share Lupkynis with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Lupkynis out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Lupkynis?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Lupkynis is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Current or recurrent infections
Vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider if you plan to receive any vaccines. Certain vaccines known as live vaccines should not be used while you are taking Lupkynis. Other types of vaccines may not be as effective while taking Lupkynis. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will be able to provide you with more information.
Pregnancy. Lupkynis should not be used during pregnancy because it contains alcohol and may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Lupkynis passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Lupkynis while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Lupkynis?
For more information about Lupkynis, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.lupkynis.com or call them at 833-AURINIA (833-287-4642)
Interactions
Does Lupkynis interact with foods or drinks?
Lupkynis interacts with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking Lupkynis.
There are no known interactions between Lupkynis and alcohol.
Does Lupkynis interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Lupkynis.
- Cyclophosphamide, which is a medicine used to treat certain cancers and a type of kidney problem
- Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), or fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
- Verapamil (Verelan, Verelan PM), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure
- Diltiazem (Cardizem CD and others), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure and other conditions
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
- Amiloride (Midamor), eplerenone (Inspra), triamterene (Dyrenium), or spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir), which is a type of diuretic, also called a water pill
- A statin, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor and others) or rosuvastatin (Crestor), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Lupkynis and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Lupkynis. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lupkynis?
If you or someone else has used too much Lupkynis, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Lupkynis?
If you miss a dose and it is within 4 hours of missing it, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose, and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.