Yupelri® (revefenacin) is a medicine used as an ongoing (maintenance) treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a medicine that you inhale. It is taken through an inhalation device called a nebulizer. If you have COPD, you can nebulize and inhale Yupelri once a day to get 24 hours of better lung function.1-3
Yupelri belongs to a class or type of drug called long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs). LAMAs work by blocking the action of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. This process relaxes muscles in the airways, which reduces the symptoms of COPD.1-3
Yupelri is a maintenance therapy for COPD. It is not used to treat COPD flare-ups that have already started. Instead, you should use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, for symptoms that are very severe and need rapid relief.1-3
What are the ingredients in Yupelri?
The active ingredient in Yupelri is revefenacin.1-3
How does Yupelri work?
COPD can make it hard to breathe because the muscles around the airways of the lungs can become tight and cause symptoms like:1
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- A tight feeling in the chest
- Shortness of breath
Yupelri relaxes the muscles around the airways. When these muscles are tight, it can make it hard to breathe. The muscle tightness can also lead to symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Relaxing these muscles makes it easier to breathe and feel better.1
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects of Yupelri include:2,3
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Upper respiratory infection
- Headache
- Back pain
- Urinary retention, which may be severe
If your breathing problems quickly worsen after taking Yupelri, contact 9-1-1 right away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Yupelri. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Yupelri. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Yupelri.
Other things to know
If you experience an immediate allergic reaction after taking Yupelri, stop taking it and seek medical help right away. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:2,3
- Severe itching
- Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or face
- Skin rash or hives
Before taking Yupelri, tell your doctor if you:2,3
- Have liver, prostate, or bladder problems
- Have eye problems like glaucoma, as this drug can make glaucoma worse
- Are allergic to any ingredients in Yupelri
Yupelri is meant to be used in a standard jet nebulizer. This device has a mouthpiece that connects to an air compressor. Before you use Yupelri or any other drug with your nebulizer, make sure you understand how to operate the machine properly. Knowing how to use a nebulizer correctly to breathe in your medicine is important. Talk to your doctor about how to use Yupelri.2
If you notice any of the following, you should get medical help right away:
- The albuterol inhaler is not working as well as before
- You need to use the albuterol inhaler more often than usual
- There is a significant drop in your lung function (as explained by your doctor)
There is not enough data to know if Yupelri is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting treatment with Yupelri, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can help you decide if Yupelri is right for you.2,3
Yupelri may interact with other medicines. Before beginning treatment for COPD, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
For more information, read the full prescribing information of Yupelri.