Question 1

What is Yupelri?

Accepted Answer

Yupelri contains the active ingredient revefenacin, which is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist. This medication works by blocking specific receptors in the lungs to relax the muscles surrounding the airways.

By relaxing these muscles, the medication helps to prevent the narrowing of the bronchial tubes and improves airflow. It is primarily used as a maintenance therapy to help make breathing easier over the long term.

Question 2

What is Yupelri used for?

Accepted Answer

Yupelri is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .

Question 3

How does Yupelri work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Yupelri belongs to a class of medications known as long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), which are also called anticholinergics. It works by targeting specific receptors in the smooth muscles of the lungs.

In people with COPD, a chemical in the body called acetylcholine can cause the muscles around the airways to tighten or constrict. Yupelri works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on these receptors. By preventing this tightening, the medication helps the muscles stay relaxed, which keeps the airways open and improves airflow. This process is known as bronchodilation.

Long-Term Maintenance

Because Yupelri is long-acting, its effects last for approximately 24 hours. This helps provide continuous relief from symptoms by keeping the airways open throughout the day and night. It is used for the daily maintenance treatment of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, to help manage:

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

Coughing

It is important to note that Yupelri is not a rescue medication. It does not work fast enough to treat a sudden attack of breathlessness or wheezing and should not be used for immediate relief during a breathing emergency.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Yupelri?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Yupelri is revefenacin .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Yupelri?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Yupelri may include:

cough

headache

upper respiratory infection

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Yupelri?

Accepted Answer

Yupelri belongs to the long-acting muscarinic antagonist drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Yupelri and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Use

Yupelri is a liquid solution that is turned into a mist using a standard jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor. It is inhaled through a mouthpiece. This medication should be used at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in the body.

To use this medication:

Only open the foil pouch and remove the unit-dose vial when you are ready to use the dose.

Squeeze the entire contents of one vial into the nebulizer reservoir.

Do not mix Yupelri with any other medicines in the nebulizer.

Breathe the mist in through the mouthpiece until the nebulizer stops producing mist.

This medication is for oral inhalation only. Do not swallow the liquid or use it in an injection. Always clean your nebulizer according to the manufacturer's instructions after each use.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra medicine or two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Question 8

Is Yupelri safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

It is currently unknown if Yupelri will harm an unborn baby. There have not been enough clinical studies in humans to determine its safety during pregnancy. While animal studies did not show evidence of fetal harm at typical doses, animal research does not always predict how a drug will affect humans. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Yupelri passes into breast milk or if it could affect a nursing infant. Because many medications can be excreted in human milk, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while using this medication.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Yupelri come in?

Accepted Answer

Yupelri is supplied as a sterile, clear, colorless solution for oral inhalation. It is provided in unit-dose vials.

Administration Method

The solution is administered using a standard jet nebulizer.

The nebulizer is connected to an air compressor with a mouthpiece.

This medication is not intended for use with other types of inhalation devices, such as metered-dose inhalers or dry powder inhalers.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Yupelri?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval Status

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Yupelri in November 2018. It was the first once-daily, nebulized long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) approved for the maintenance treatment of COPD in the United States.

Approved Indications

Yupelri is indicated for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is designed for long-term use to help manage symptoms and improve lung function.

Regulatory Limitations and Safety

Not for Acute Use: Yupelri is not approved for the treatment of acute bronchospasm. It should not be used as a rescue medication for sudden breathing problems.

Asthma: This medication is not indicated for the treatment of asthma. Its safety and effectiveness for asthma patients have not been established by the FDA.

Boxed Warnings: There are currently no boxed warnings or Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) required by the FDA for this medication.

Question 11

What should I know about Yupelri and cost?

Accepted Answer

Insurance and Medicare Coverage

The amount you pay for Yupelri often depends on your insurance provider and specific plan. Because this medication is administered using a nebulizer, it is sometimes covered under Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment, though coverage can vary. It is important to check your plan's formulary to understand your copayment or coinsurance responsibilities.

Generic Status

There is currently no generic version of Yupelri (revefenacin) available. Brand-name drugs typically cost more than generics, and the lack of a generic alternative may affect your long-term costs for this maintenance treatment.

Financial Assistance Programs

Some patients may be eligible for cost-saving options provided by the manufacturer, such as savings cards or patient assistance programs. These programs are designed to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for those who qualify based on insurance status or income level.

Yupelri

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Found an Error?