voclosporin at a glance
Medicine class
Calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant
Licensed use
Active class III, IV or V lupus nephritis in adults, with mycophenolate mofetil
How it is supplied
Soft capsules for oral use
Food
May be taken with or without food
Important avoidance
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
What is voclosporin used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Treatment, with mycophenolate mofetil, of adults with active class III, IV or V lupus nephritis, including mixed class III/V and IV/V disease.
How does voclosporin work?
Voclosporin blocks calcineurin, an enzyme needed to activate T lymphocytes. This reduces immune-cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production, helping limit the immune attack on the kidney’s filtering structures.
voclosporin preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 7.9 mg
How to take voclosporin
Follow the specialist’s instructions.
Swallow the soft capsules whole.
They may be taken with or without food.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Do not stop treatment without speaking to the prescribing team.
voclosporin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate or increased creatinine
- High blood pressure
- Upper respiratory infection
- Anaemia
- Headache
- Cough
- Diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Nausea, indigestion or reduced appetite
- Tremor
- Raised blood potassium
- Gum swelling or inflammation
- Hair loss or increased hair growth
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious or opportunistic infection
- Acute kidney injury
- Seizure or other new neurological symptoms
- Severe hypertension
- Clinically significant heart-rhythm disturbance
- Serious hypersensitivity reaction
voclosporin in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited, and reproductive toxicity occurred in animal studies. Voclosporin is not recommended during pregnancy or for someone who could become pregnant and is not using contraception; pregnancy planning or suspected pregnancy should be discussed promptly with the specialist team.
voclosporin while breastfeeding
Voclosporin passes into breast milk, but its effects on breastfed infants are unknown. The specialist and parent should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or avoid voclosporin after weighing the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment.
voclosporin interactions
Voclosporin has important interactions through CYP3A4 and drug transporters. Check prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products with the specialist or pharmacist.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ketoconazole, itraconazole and clarithromycin
These can markedly increase voclosporin exposure and must not be used with it.
Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including verapamil, diltiazem, fluconazole and erythromycin
These increase voclosporin exposure and require specialist management.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
These can increase voclosporin exposure and should be avoided.
Common questions about voclosporin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is voclosporin a steroid?
No. Voclosporin is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant.
Why is voclosporin combined with mycophenolate mofetil?
The licensed role and supporting clinical evidence are for voclosporin added to mycophenolate mofetil rather than used alone.
Can voclosporin be taken with food?
Yes. The capsules may be taken with or without food.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.