Has your doctor prescribed Avacopan to you or someone you know? So, I'm going to talk about this medication in a little more detail, and in a very simple way. Since this is a medication that is given for a somewhat complex condition, it is very important for your safety to be fully informed about it.
What exactly is Avacopan?
Simply put, Avacopan is a drug that controls a certain process in our body's immune system, that is, it works in a slightly different way. This is called a complement receptor inhibitor. Think of it like we have little soldiers in our bodies, and sometimes these people can become overactive and harm our own bodies. At times like these, this drug helps control that unwanted activity.
It is mainly used to treat a condition called 'Vasculitis' . Specifically, it is given for conditions like Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA), which are inflammations of our blood vessels. This medicine is often used in combination with other medications, such as steroids. You may see this medicine under the brand name TAVNEOS .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This is a very important point. Before starting this medication, it is extremely important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Because this medication is not suitable for everyone. Be sure to tell them about these facts in particular.
- If you have a weakened immune system or a related disease.
- Any current infection . For example, if you have tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Avacopan or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- This is a must-mention if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
How should I use the medicine?
This is an oral capsule. The most important thing is to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the time prescribed.
- Take with food: Always take this medicine with a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach. This will help the medicine absorb better into the body and reduce stomach upset.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Do not break, crush, or chew this capsule. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
- Don't stop: Continue taking the medicine as long as your doctor tells you to. Don't stop taking it suddenly, even if your symptoms seem to be improving.
- What if I miss a dose?: Don't worry. Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Important: If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other medications that may interact with Avacopan (Drug Interactions)
Avacopan is a medication that can interact with other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol. Below are just a few examples.
| Drug category | Possible side effects with the medicine |
|---|---|
| Some antivirals given for HIV or Hepatitis | May affect the effectiveness of Avacopan. |
| Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. Itraconazole, Ketoconazole) | Avacopan levels in the body can be increased. |
| Some medications for seizures (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) | The effectiveness of Avacopan may be reduced. |
| Clarithromycin (an antibiotic) | Avacopan levels can be increased. |
| Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis) | The effectiveness of Avacopan can be significantly reduced. |
| St. John's wort (herbal medicine) | The effectiveness of Avacopan may be reduced. |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, Avacopan can cause side effects. Some of these can be dangerous, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Symptoms of Liver Injury | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue. Tell your doctor immediately. |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. Go to the ETU immediately. |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, urinary tract infection. Inform your doctor immediately. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headache, blurred vision. Inform the doctor. |
| Numbness in the limbs | Pain, numbness, or loss of feeling in the hands or feet. Tell your doctor. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Nausea and vomiting | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Diarrhea | Drink enough water. |
| Dizziness, fatigue | This is normal, but please let us know if it persists. |
Take-Home Message
- Avacopan is a medicine that is prescribed for specific conditions like Vasculitis and should be taken under the close supervision of a doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your health information and other medications you are taking .
- Always swallow the tablet whole with a meal . Do not break, crush, or chew it.
- If you develop signs of infection such as fever, cough, and body aches , or signs of liver damage such as yellowing of the skin and dark urine, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you have any questions about medication, always consult your doctor before making any decisions on your own. Your health is valuable to you.
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