Dosage and Lupkynis: Detailing Potency, Form, Administration Time, and Additional Information
Lupkynis, an immunosuppressive drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is used to treat active lupus nephritis in adults. The active ingredient in Lupkynis is voclosporin. It is available as an oral capsule and is not available in a generic version.
Lupkynis starts to work after the first dose, but it may take weeks or months to see an effect. While the drug is generally safe, its long-term safety beyond one year is not fully established. Common concerns with long-term use of calcineurin inhibitors like Lupkynis include risks of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), hypertension, infections, and potential effects on immune function.
Doctors usually prescribe Lupkynis for up to 1 year to treat lupus nephritis. However, in some cases, patients may require long-term treatment. If you are considering or already on long-term Lupkynis, discussing ongoing risks and monitoring plans with your healthcare provider is essential.
During treatment, your doctor will likely test your kidney function and blood pressure regularly. It's important to take Lupkynis exactly as prescribed, and not to exceed the recommended dosage. The typical Lupkynis dosage for adults with lupus nephritis is 23.7 mg (3 oral capsules), taken twice per day.
Certain medications can interact with Lupkynis and affect its level in your body. For example, liver enzyme inhibitors or inducers may interact with Lupkynis. Your doctor may need to adjust your Lupkynis dosage if you have liver damage or kidney disease, or if you're age 65 years or older.
Lupkynis is taken along with other drugs that suppress the immune system, such as mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. If you miss a dose of Lupkynis, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it's within 4 hours of the missed dose.
In case of Lupkynis overdose, call your doctor right away or contact America's Poison Centers. Symptoms of overdose can include tremors, headache, nausea and vomiting, infections, fast heartbeat, itching, lack of energy, and more.
It's important to note that Lupkynis and Benlysta are different in form, dosage, and administration, despite being treatments for lupus nephritis. If you have any questions or concerns about Lupkynis, talk with your doctor.
In summary, long-term use of Lupkynis beyond 1 year is possible but should be carefully monitored for kidney function and other toxicities, as detailed long-term safety data beyond one year is not fully established. Patients on prolonged treatment require close follow-up by their rheumatologist or nephrologist.
