lupkynis
Lupkynis (Voclosporin) is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant used to treat Lupus Nephritis.
Voclosporin · by Aurinia
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Voclosporin
- Drug class
- Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant
- Form
- Capsule
- Strength
- Voclosporin 7.9MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- lupus nephritis
- Manufacturer
- Aurinia
- FDA application
- NDA213716
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Lupkynis?
From the FDA label: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. Chemically, voclosporin is named: Cyclo{{(6E)-(2S,3R,4R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(methylamino)-6,8-nonadienoyl}-L-2-aminobutyryl-N-methyl-glycyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-L-valyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-L-alanyl-D-alanyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-N-methyl-L-valyl}. The chemical structure of voclosporin is: Voclosporin has an empirical formula of C 63 H 111 N 11 O 12 and a molecular weight of 1214.6 g/mole. It appears as white to off-white solid matter. At ambient temperature, voclosporin is freely soluble in acetone, acetonitrile, ethanol, and methanol, and practically insoluble in heptanes (USP). Voclosporin is practically insoluble (less than 0.1 g/L at 20ºC) in water and melts above 144ºC with decomposition. chem
How to use
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). Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in patients with a baseline eGFR ≤45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 unless the benefit exceeds the risk; these patients may be at increased risk for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity. ( 2.2 , 5.3 ) Do not initiate LUPKYNIS in patients with baseline BP >165/105 mmHg or with hypertensive emergency. ( 2.2 , 5.4 ) Recommended starting dose: 23.7 mg orally, twice a day. ( 2.3 ) Use LUPKYNIS in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids. ( 2.3 ) Modify the LUPKYNIS dose based on eGFR ( 2.3 , 5.3 ): Assess eGFR every two weeks for the first month, every four weeks through the first year, and…
Side effects
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 filtration rate decreased, hypertension, diarrhea, headache, anemia, cough, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain upper, dyspepsia, alopecia, renal impairment, abdominal pain, mouth ulceration, fatigue, tremor, acute kidney injury, and decreased appetite. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurinia Pharmaceuticals at 1-833-672-0028 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
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. ( 5.1 , 5.2 )
Warnings
Important safety information
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. ( 5.8 ) Immunizations: Avoid live vaccines. ( 5.9 ) Pure Red Cell Aplasia: Consider discontinuation. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Lymphoma and Other Malignancies Immunosuppressants, including LUPKYNIS, increase the risk of developing lymphomas and other malignancies, particularly of the skin. The risk appears to be related to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression rather than to the use of any specific agent. Examine patients for skin changes and advise to avoid or limit sun exposure and to avoid artificial UV light (tanning beds, sun lamps) by wearing protective clothing and using a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 30 or higher). 5.2 Serious Infections Immunosuppressants, including LUPKYNIS, increase the risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, including opportunistic infections. These infections may lead to serious, including fatal, outcomes. Viral infections reported include cytomegalovirus and herpes zoster infections. Monitor for the development of infection. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient; use the lowest effective dose needed to maintain response. 5.3 Nephrotoxicity LUPKYNIS, like other calcineurin-inhibitors, can cause acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity was reported in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Monitor eGFR regularly during treatment, and consider dose reduction or discontinuation in patients with decreases in eGFR from baseline [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] ; persistent decrease of eGFR should be evaluated for chronic calcineurin-inhibitor nephrotoxicity. Consider the risks and benefits of LUPKYNIS treatment in light of the patient’s treatment response and risk of worsening nephrotoxicity, including co-administration with drugs associated with nephrotoxicity. The risk for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity is increased when LUPKYNIS is concomitantly administered with drugs associated with nephrotoxicity. 5.4 Hypertension Hypertension is a common adverse reaction of LUPKYNIS therapy and may require antihypertensive therapy [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Some antihypertensive drugs can increase the risk for hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Certain calcium-channel blocking agents (verapamil and diltiazem) may increase voclosporin blood concentrations and require dosage reduction of LUPKYNIS [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )] . Monitor blood pressure regularly during treatment and treat new-onset hypertension and exacerbations of pre-existing hypertension. If a patient experiences increases in blood pressure that cannot be managed with dose reduction of LUPKYNIS or other appropriate medical intervention, consider discontinuation of LUPKYNIS [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . 5.5 Neurotoxicity LUPKYNIS, like other calcineurin-inhibitors, may cause a spectrum of neurotoxicities [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . The most severe neurotoxicities include posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), delirium, seizure, and coma; others include tremors, paresthesias, headache, mental status changes, and changes in motor and sensory functions. Monitor for neurologic symptoms and consider dosage reduction or discontinuation of LUPKYNIS if neurotoxicity occurs. 5.6 Hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia, which may be serious and require treatment, has been reported with calcineurin inhibitors including LUPKYNIS [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Concomitant use of agents associated with hyperkalemia (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers) may increase the risk for hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium levels periodically during treatment. 5.7 QTc Prolongation LUPKYNIS prolongs the QTc interval in a dose-dependent manner after single dose administration at a dose higher than the recommended lupus nephritis therapeutic dose [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . The use of LUPKYNIS in combination with other drugs that are known to prolong QTc may result in clinically significant QT prolongation. Certain circumstances may increase the risk of the occurrence of torsade de pointes and/or sudden death in association with the use of drugs that prolong the QTc interval, including (1) bradycardia; (2) hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; (3) concomitant use of other drugs that prolong the QTc interval; and (4) presence of congenital prolongation of the QT interval. 5.8 Hypersensitivity Reactions Postmarketing cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with LUPKYNIS. If signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur, discontinue LUPKYNIS; treat and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . 5.9 Immunizations Avoid the use of live attenuated vaccines during treatment with LUPKYNIS (e.g., intranasal influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, BCG, yellow fever, varicella, and TY21a typhoid vaccines). Inactivated vaccines noted to be safe for administration may not be sufficiently immunogenic during treatment with LUPKYNIS. 5.10 Pure Red Cell Aplasia Cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with another calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant. All of these patients reported risk factors for PRCA such as parvovirus B19 infection, underlying disease, or concomitant medications associated with PRCA. A mechanism for calcineurin-inhibitor-induced PRCA has not been elucidated. If PRCA is diagnosed, consider discontinuation of LUPKYNIS.
Who should not take Lupkynis
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 )] . Patients with a history of serious or severe hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylaxis, to LUPKYNIS or any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . Patients concomitantly using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin). ( 4 ) History of serious or severe hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylaxis, to LUPKYNIS or any of its excipients. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Cases of accidental overdose have been reported with LUPKYNIS; symptoms may include tremor, headache, nausea and vomiting, infections, tachycardia, urticaria, lethargy, and increases in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase levels. No specific antidote to LUPKYNIS therapy is available. If overdose occurs, general supportive measures and symptomatic treatment should be conducted, including stopping treatment with LUPKYNIS and assessing blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, eGFR and alanine aminotransferase levels. Consider contacting a poison center (1-800-222-1222) or medical toxicologist for advice and review of overdosage management recommendations.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
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. Co-administration of LUPKYNIS with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Reduce LUPKYNIS dosage when co-administered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., verapamil, fluconazole, diltiazem) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ] . Avoid food or drink containing grapefruit when taking LUPKYNIS. Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers Voclosporin is a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate. Co-administration with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers decreases voclosporin exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may decrease the efficacy of LUPKYNIS. Avoid co-administration of LUPKYNIS with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers. 7.2 Effect of LUPKYNIS on Other Drugs Certain P-gp Substrates Voclosporin is a P-gp inhibitor. Co-administration of voclosporin increases exposure of P-gp substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions of these substrates. For certain P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic window, reduce the dosage of the substrate as recommended in its prescribing information, if needed. OATP1B1 Substrates Voclosporin is an inhibitor of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters. In one clinical study the concomitant administration of a single 40 mg dose of simvastatin with 23.7 mg BID voclosporin increased C max and AUC of the active metabolite simvastatin acid (an OATP1B1 substrate) by 3.1-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Monitor for adverse reactions such as myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when OATP1B1/OATP1B3 substrates (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin, fluvastatin) are used concomitantly with LUPKYNIS and reduce the dosage of these substrates as recommended in their prescribing information. For example, when taking LUPKYNIS with simvastatin, limit the simvastatin dosage to 20 mg daily, or 40 mg daily for patients who have previously tolerated simvastatin 80 mg daily for at least one year without evidence of muscle toxicity.
Drug class
How this class works, per Calcineurin Inhibitors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Capsule
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Lupkynis treat?
- Lupkynis (Voclosporin) may be used to treat lupus nephritis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Lupkynis work?
- Lupkynis is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant. Calcineurin inhibitors block an enzyme called calcineurin inside immune T-cells, which stops the cells from making interleukin-2 and other signaling chemicals. This keeps T-cells from activating and multiplying, dialing down the immune attack that drives organ rejection or autoimmune disease.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Lupkynis?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Lupkynis. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Lupkynis?
- Lupkynis is marketed by Aurinia. You can see Aurinia's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Lupkynis a brand-name or generic drug?
- Lupkynis is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Voclosporin.
- Is Lupkynis available over the counter?
- No. Lupkynis is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Lupkynis come in?
- Lupkynis is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Lupkynis?
- Lupkynis is classified as calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Lupkynis FDA-registered?
- Lupkynis is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA213716. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Lupkynis safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Lupkynis. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Lupkynis?
- Lupkynis's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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 Prec… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
What people report to the FDA about VOCLOSPORIN
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 111 reports naming VOCLOSPORIN — the active ingredient in Lupkynis, and the FDA flagged 72% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- nausea20 reports
- diarrhoea12 reports
- herpes simplex colitis11 reports
- proteinuria11 reports
- disseminated herpes simplex9 reports
- vomiting9 reports
- gastrointestinal disorder8 reports
- anaemia7 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean VOCLOSPORIN caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 26, 2026.
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