Yupelri (revefenacin)

What is Yupelri (revefenacin) for?

Yupelri (revefenacin) is long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) indicated for the treatment of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD.^[1]

It is available in vial form, each containing 175 μg/3 mL revefenacin. It can be used with a standard jet nebulizer.^[1]

How does Yupelri (revefenacin) work?

COPD is characterized by chronic lung inflammation that leads to airway obstruction. It is a progressive disease that is mainly irreversible.^[2]

The active ingredient in Yupelri, revefenacin, is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), also called an anticholinergic. Anticholinergics work as a bronchodilator. This means they can relax the muscle cells in the lungs, and widen the airways. This so-called bronchodilation will make it easier for patients to breathe.^[2]

Where has Yupelri (revefenacin) been approved?

Yupelri (revefenacin) was approved for the treatment of people with COPD by:

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA on November 9, 2018.^[3]

Please note that this medicine may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval in a specific country feel free to contact our support team.

How is Yupelri (revefenacin) taken?

The standard dosage is:^[1]

• One 175 mcg vial (3 mL) once daily

Yupelri (revefenacin) is an inhaled medicine that should be used only with a standard jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor. Breathe in the medicine until the mist is gone (about 8 minutes).^[1]

Yupelri (revefenacin) may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how this medicine works, so it is important that you inform your doctor about all medicines you take. This includes anticholinergics and medicines such as rifampicin and cyclosporine.^[1]

Complete information about Yupelri (revefenacin) dosage and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our references section.^[1]

Note: Please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.

Are there any known adverse reactions or side effects of Yupelri (revefenacin)?

Common adverse reactions

The most common side effects (≥2% of patients) listed in the prescribing information include:^[1]

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Headache
• Back pain

Serious adverse reactions

The serious adverse reactions listed in the prescribing information include:^[1]

• Sudden breathing problems immediately after inhaling your medicine
• New or worsened eye problems including acute narrow-angle glaucoma
• Urinary retention
• Serious allergic reactions

Use in a specific population

It is now known if Yupelri (revefenacin) may harm your unborn baby or if the medicine passes into your breast milk and harms your baby. Contact your treating doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.^[1]

Before starting with treatment, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have eye problems such as glaucoma
• Have prostate or bladder problems, or problems passing urine
• Have liver problems

For a comprehensive list of side effects and adverse reactions please refer to the official prescribing information.^[1]

References

1. Full prescribing information [FDA]: Yupelri (revefenacin) [PDF]
Theravance Biopharma, Nov 2018

2. Revefenacin: A Once-Daily, Long-Acting Bronchodilator For Nebulized Treatment Of COPD
Donohue, JF et al., Int J of COPD, Sept 2019

3. FDA Approves Yupelri (revefenacin) for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Drugs.com, Nov 2018