Voclosporin

Voclosporin (Lupkynis^TM) is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant (CNI) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis occurs when lupus attacks the kidneys. It can cause inflammation that makes the kidneys stop working.^1,2

Immunosuppressant drugs help to prevent the immune system from damaging your body. Voclosporin is prescribed with other medicines to treat adults with active lupus nephritis.^1,2

What are the ingredients in voclosporin?

The active ingredient is voclosporin.¹

How does voclosporin work?

Voclosporin works by preventing a protein in the body called calcineurin from working. The way that it suppresses calcineurin from working is not completely understood. By blocking calcineurin it ultimately decreases inflammation.¹

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of voclosporin include:¹

• Diarrhea
• Urinary tract infection
• Heartburn
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Hair loss
• Cough

Voclosporin can also cause the following serious side effects:¹

• Kidney problems
• High blood pressure
• Nervous system problems
• High blood potassium
• Heart rhythm problems
• Severe low red blood cell count
• Increased risk of cancer
• Increased risk of infection

These are not all the possible side effects of voclosporin. Talk to your doctor about what to expect or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with voclosporin.

Other things to know

Do not take voclosporin with cyclophosphamide or with any medicines that are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or clarithromycin.¹

Do not take voclosporin if you are allergic to voclosporin or any of the ingredients in Lupkynis^TM.¹

Tell your doctor if you plan on getting any vaccines while taking voclosporin.¹

Tell your doctor if you have or have had problems with your liver, kidney, or heart, or if you have high blood pressure.¹

Voclosporin may cause fetal harm and it recommended not to breastfeed. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed while taking voclosporin.¹

Before beginning treatment for lupus nephritis, tell your doctor about any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of voclosporin.