What is Avacopan: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Avacopan is a specialized medication that helps treat certain autoimmune conditions where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of your body. This prescription drug works by blocking specific signals that cause inflammation in your blood vessels and kidneys, helping to reduce damage and improve your overall health.

What is Avacopan?

Avacopan is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called complement C5a receptor antagonists. It specifically targets inflammation caused by your immune system's overactive response. The drug works by blocking a protein called C5a, which normally triggers inflammation in your body.

This medication represents a newer approach to treating autoimmune conditions. Rather than broadly suppressing your entire immune system like traditional treatments, avacopan targets a specific pathway that causes inflammation. This targeted approach can help reduce unwanted side effects while still controlling your condition effectively.

What is Avacopan Used For?

Avacopan is primarily used to treat ANCA-associated vasculitis, a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation in your blood vessels. The most common conditions it treats include granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, which can affect your kidneys, lungs, and other organs.

Your doctor might prescribe avacopan when you have active, severe vasculitis that's causing kidney problems or other organ damage. The medication is typically used alongside other treatments like rituximab or cyclophosphamide to help bring your condition under control. It's particularly helpful for people who experience kidney involvement, as it can help preserve kidney function.

In some cases, your healthcare provider might consider avacopan for other inflammatory conditions, though this would be an off-label use. The decision to use this medication depends on your specific symptoms, overall health, and how well you've responded to other treatments.

How Does Avacopan Work?

Avacopan works by blocking the C5a receptor, which is like turning off a switch that normally triggers inflammation in your body. When you have vasculitis, your immune system produces too much C5a, leading to excessive inflammation that damages your blood vessels and organs.

This medication is considered a moderately strong treatment option. It's more targeted than broad immunosuppressants like steroids, but it's still powerful enough to help control serious autoimmune conditions. The drug helps reduce inflammation without completely shutting down your immune system, which means you maintain some ability to fight off infections.

The effects of avacopan typically begin within a few weeks of starting treatment, though it may take several months to see the full benefits. Your doctor will monitor your response through blood tests and other assessments to ensure the medication is working effectively for your specific condition.

How Should I Take Avacopan?

Take avacopan exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically 30 mg twice daily with food. Taking it with meals helps your body absorb the medication better and can reduce the chance of stomach upset. You can take it with any regular meal, but avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or open the capsules, as this can affect how the medication is released in your body. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, talk to your doctor about alternative options or techniques that might help.

Try to take your doses at the same times each day to maintain steady levels of the medication in your system. Many people find it helpful to take one dose with breakfast and another with dinner. Setting phone reminders can help you remember to take your medication consistently.

How Long Should I Take Avacopan For?

The typical treatment course with avacopan lasts about 52 weeks, though your doctor will determine the exact duration based on your specific condition and response to treatment. Some people may need shorter or longer courses depending on how well their vasculitis responds and whether they experience any complications.

Your healthcare provider will regularly monitor your progress through blood tests, urine tests, and physical examinations. These check-ups help determine whether the medication is working effectively and whether you need to continue treatment. Don't stop taking avacopan suddenly without discussing it with your doctor, as this could lead to a flare-up of your condition.

After completing your initial treatment course, your doctor might recommend a maintenance therapy or switch you to a different medication. The goal is to keep your vasculitis in remission while minimizing long-term medication risks.

What Are the Side Effects of Avacopan?

Like all medications, avacopan can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and know when to contact your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects you might experience include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and upper respiratory tract infections like colds. These symptoms are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Headaches and fatigue are also fairly common, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.

Here are the more frequent side effects that patients report:

• Nausea and stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Upper respiratory infections
• Headaches
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain

These common side effects usually don't require stopping the medication, but you should discuss them with your doctor if they become bothersome or interfere with your daily activities.

More serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention. These include severe infections, liver problems, or unusual bleeding. Watch for signs like persistent fever, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or unusual bruising.

Here are the serious side effects that need prompt medical care:

• Severe infections with high fever
• Liver problems (yellowing skin, dark urine, severe fatigue)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

If you experience any of these serious symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care. Your safety is the top priority, and addressing these symptoms quickly can prevent more serious complications.

Who Should Not Take Avacopan?

Avacopan isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. People with certain conditions or risk factors may need to avoid this medication or use it with extra caution.

You should not take avacopan if you have a known allergy to the medication or any of its ingredients. Additionally, people with active, serious infections should typically wait until the infection is treated before starting avacopan, as the medication can affect your immune system's ability to fight infections.

Your doctor will be particularly cautious about prescribing avacopan if you have any of these conditions:

• Active infections, especially serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• Severe liver disease
• History of recurrent infections
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Certain blood disorders

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor before starting avacopan. The medication's effects on pregnancy aren't fully understood, so your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits against potential risks to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Avacopan Brand Name

Avacopan is available under the brand name Tavneos in the United States. This is the commercial name you'll see on your prescription bottle and medication packaging. The generic name, avacopan, refers to the active ingredient itself.

Tavneos is manufactured by ChemoCentryx and was approved by the FDA specifically for treating ANCA-associated vasculitis. When your doctor prescribes this medication, they might refer to it by either name, but they're the same drug.

Currently, avacopan is only available as a brand-name medication, as generic versions haven't been approved yet. This means the medication may be more expensive than older, generic alternatives, though insurance coverage and patient assistance programs may help with costs.

Avacopan Alternatives

While avacopan offers a unique approach to treating vasculitis, other medications can also help manage these conditions. Your doctor might consider alternatives based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and response to previous treatments.

Traditional treatments for ANCA-associated vasculitis include immunosuppressive drugs like cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and rituximab. These medications work by broadly suppressing your immune system, which can be effective but may come with different side effect profiles than avacopan.

Common alternatives your doctor might consider include:

• Cyclophosphamide (often used for severe cases)
• Rituximab (targets specific immune cells)
• Methotrexate (for maintenance therapy)
• Mycophenolate mofetil (another immunosuppressant)
• Azathioprine (for long-term maintenance)

The choice between avacopan and these alternatives depends on factors like the severity of your condition, your kidney function, and your overall health. Your doctor will work with you to find the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.

Is Avacopan Better Than Prednisone?

Avacopan offers several advantages over prednisone, particularly for people with ANCA-associated vasculitis. While prednisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid, it comes with significant long-term side effects that can affect your quality of life, including weight gain, bone loss, diabetes, and increased infection risk.

Clinical studies have shown that avacopan can be as effective as prednisone for treating vasculitis while causing fewer steroid-related side effects. This is particularly important for people who need long-term treatment, as the cumulative effects of steroids can be quite serious over time.

The main advantages of avacopan over prednisone include better preservation of kidney function, reduced risk of infections, and fewer metabolic side effects like weight gain and blood sugar problems. However, prednisone works faster and is much less expensive, which may make it a better choice in certain situations.

Your doctor will consider factors like your kidney function, infection risk, and overall health when deciding between these medications. Some people may benefit from using both drugs together initially, then transitioning to avacopan alone as their condition improves.