Avacopan (Tavneos)
Tavenos (avacopan) is a medication used to treat ANCA-associated vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease. The two types of ANCA associated vasculitis include Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis and Microscopic Polyangiitis.
Tavneos is a small molecule that inhibits the complement receptor C5a. It works by blocking a specific receptor in the immune system that contributes to inflammation in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis. By targeting this receptor, Tavneos helps to reduce inflammation, which is responsible for the damage to blood vessels in this disease.
Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, are commonly prescribed in combination with Tavneos, which can enhance a patient’s response.
Taking Tavneos
Tavneos is available as an oral capsule, taken twice daily.
The capsules can be taken at home, making the treatment process convenient and easy to manage.
The normal dose for Tavneos is 30 mg (3 x 10 mg capsules), taken twice daily. Tavneos should be taken with food. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them.
Important Tests and Risks
Tavneos can make it a bit harder for people to fight off infections. People taking this medicine should call their doctor they have a fever, think they have an infection, or have been prescribed antibiotics to treat an infection.
Patients should coordinate with their doctor to stop treatment before any surgery. It can be re-started once things have healed and there’s no sign of infection. It can be restarted 10-14 days after the surgery as long as there is no sign of infection.
Patients should discuss all vaccinations with their doctor because some (live vaccines) are not advisable to get while taking Tavneos.
It is important to ensure you do not have hepatitis B prior to starting Tavneos. This can be determined with a simple blood test. It is also important to let your doctor know if you have any issues with your liver.
Patients who are taking Tavneos should have regular blood tests as requested by their doctor to keep track of their blood counts and liver enzymes.
Science
In patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis, the immune system becomes overactive and attacks the blood vessels, leading to inflammation.
Tavneos works by inhibiting a specific receptor in the immune system, reducing the inflammation, and thus minimizing the damage to blood vessels. The effects of Tavneos can be seen as early as 4 weeks.
Safety
People taking Tavneos should talk to their doctor if they are concerned about any side effects.
MORE COMMON side-effects include:
- Nausea, abdominal pain
- Headache
- Rash
- Upper respiratory tract infections (cold or flu).
RARE side-effects include:
- Infection – There have been serious and rare infections associated with the use of Tavneos. Any infections or fevers should be taken very seriously and reviewed by a doctor
- Blood Counts – Tavneos can cause changes in the numbers of white blood cells (which are needed to fight infection)
- Liver – Tavneos may irritate the liver. This does not usually cause symptoms but may be found on blood tests. It is uncommon and usually reversible when regularly monitored with your monthly blood tests
How to minimize the side-effects of Tavneos:
- Patients should take the medicine twice a day, as prescribed by their doctor
- Patients should get regular blood tests as requested by their doctor to monitor for side effects, and remember to attend their appointments.
Patients who should NOT be taking Tavneos (avacopan) include:
- Patients who have had a previous serious allergic reaction to this medication
- Patients who have hepatitis B
- Patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Patients with active infections
Patients should discuss all vaccinations with their doctor as some vaccines are not advisable while taking Tavneos.
Patients who are planning for surgery should tell their doctor.
Patients taking Tavneos (avacopan) should call their doctor if they feel sick and want to stop, or if they are concerned about any side effects.
Other reasons for people taking Tavneos to call their doctor include:
- Fever or possible infection
- If another doctor has prescribed antibiotics to fight an infection
- Before having surgery
- Pregnancy or Breast Feeding
- Planning to get any vaccinations
- Rash
Patients who become pregnant while taking Tavneos should notify their doctor.
Pregnancy and medicationsResources
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