Voclosporin

Generic Name: voclosporin

Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Lupkynis

11 DESCRIPTION LUPKYNIS (voclosporin) capsules, a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant, is available for administration as soft gelatin capsules containing 7.9 mg voclosporin per capsule. Inactive ingredients include alcohol, Vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate (NF), polysorbate 40 (NF), medium-chain triglycerides (NF), gelatin, sorbitol, glycerin, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red, titanium dioxide, and water. Voclosporin (90 to 95% trans -isomer) is the active ingredient in LUPKYNIS.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION LUPKYNIS (voclosporin) capsules, a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant, is available for administration as soft gelatin capsules containing 7.9 mg voclosporin per capsule. Inactive ingredients include alcohol, Vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate (NF), polysorbate 40 (NF), medium-chain triglycerides (NF), gelatin, sorbitol, glycerin, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red, titanium dioxide, and water. Voclosporin (90 to 95% trans -isomer) is the active ingredient in LUPKYNIS.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LUPKYNIS is indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS have not been established in combination with cyclophosphamide. Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in this situation. LUPKYNIS is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). ( 1 , 14 ) Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS have not been established in combination with cyclophosphamide. Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in this situation.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administration : LUPKYNIS must be swallowed whole on an empty stomach. ( 2.1 ) Administer consistently as close to a 12-hour schedule as possible, and with at least 8 hours between doses. ( 2.1 ) If a dose is missed, instruct the patient to take it as soon as possible within 4 hours after missing the dose. Beyond the 4-hour time frame, instruct the patient to wait until the usual scheduled time to take the next regular dose. Instruct the patient not to double the next dose. ( 2.1 ) Instruct patients to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking LUPKYNIS. ( 2.1 , 7.1 ) Dosage Recommendations : Before initiating LUPKYNIS, establish an accurate baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and check blood pressure (BP).

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Lymphoma and Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Nephrotoxicity due to LUPKYNIS and Drug Interactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] QTc Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Immunizations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥3%) were: glomerular...

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Reduce LUPKYNIS daily dosage to 15.8 mg in the morning and 7.9 mg in the evening. ( 2.5 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid co-administration. ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) Certain P-gp substrates: Reduce dosage of certain P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic window when co-administered with LUPKYNIS. ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on LUPKYNIS Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Voclosporin is a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate. Co-administration with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors increases voclosporin exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of LUPKYNIS adverse reactions.

Warnings

WARNING: MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS Increased risk for developing malignancies and serious infections with LUPKYNIS or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )]. WARNING: MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with LUPKYNIS or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Nephrotoxicity (acute and/or chronic): May occur due to LUPKYNIS or concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. Monitor renal function; consider dosage reduction. ( 5.3 ) Hypertension: May require antihypertensive therapy; monitor relevant drug interactions. ( 5.4 ) Neurotoxicity: Including risk of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES); monitor for neurologic abnormalities; reduce dosage or discontinue LUPKYNIS. ( 5.5 ) Hyperkalemia: Risk may be increased with other agents associated with hyperkalemia; monitor serum potassium levels. ( 5.6 ) QT Prolongation: Consider obtaining electrocardiograms and monitoring electrolytes in patients at high risk. ( 5.7 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue LUPKYNIS; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS LUPKYNIS is contraindicated in: Patients concomitantly using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) because these medications can significantly increase exposure to LUPKYNIS which may increase the risk of acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), and Pharmacokinetics ( 12.3 )] .

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Avoid use of LUPKYNIS in pregnant women due to the alcohol content of the drug formulation. The available data on the use of LUPKYNIS in pregnant patients are insufficient to determine whether there is a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (see Clinical Considerations ) . LUPKYNIS may be used in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen that includes MMF.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING LUPKYNIS (voclosporin) capsules 7.9 mg are oval, pink/orange capsules, imprinted on one side with VCS in white ink, packed in cold-formed aluminum blisters, consisting of laminated backing and lidding materials that are thermo-sealed together. Four individual 3 × 5 blister strips are assembled into a cardboard wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Voclosporin used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LUPKYNIS is indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS have not been established in combination with cyclophosphamide. Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in this situation. LUPKYNIS is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). ( 1 , 14 ) Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS have not been established in combination with cyclophosphamide. Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in this situation.

What are the side effects of Voclosporin?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Lymphoma and Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Nephrotoxicity due to LUPKYNIS and Drug Interactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] QTc Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Immunizations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥3%) were: glomerular...

Can I take Voclosporin during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Avoid use of LUPKYNIS in pregnant women due to the alcohol content of the drug formulation. The available data on the use of LUPKYNIS in pregnant patients are insufficient to determine whether there is a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (see Clinical Considerations ) . LUPKYNIS may be used in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen that includes MMF.

What are the important warnings for Voclosporin?

WARNING: MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS Increased risk for developing malignancies and serious infections with LUPKYNIS or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )]. WARNING: MALIGNANCIES AND SERIOUS INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with LUPKYNIS or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Nephrotoxicity (acute and/or chronic): May occur due to LUPKYNIS or concomitant nephrotoxic drugs. Monitor renal function; consider dosage reduction. ( 5.3 ) Hypertension: May require antihypertensive therapy; monitor relevant drug interactions. ( 5.4 ) Neurotoxicity: Including risk of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES); monitor for neurologic abnormalities; reduce dosage or discontinue LUPKYNIS. ( 5.5 ) Hyperkalemia: Risk may be increased with other agents associated with hyperkalemia; monitor serum potassium levels. ( 5.6 ) QT Prolongation: Consider obtaining electrocardiograms and monitoring electrolytes in patients at high risk. ( 5.7 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue LUPKYNIS; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS LUPKYNIS is contraindicated in: Patients concomitantly using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) because these medications can significantly increase exposure to LUPKYNIS which may increase the risk of acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), and Pharmacokinetics ( 12.3 )] .

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.