Avacopan
Avacopan is an oral medication classified as a complement 5a receptor (C5aR) antagonist used to treat certain autoimmune conditions affecting blood vessels. It is specifically approved for the treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), which are types of ANCA-associated vasculitis. By blocking the C5a receptor, avacopan prevents neutrophil activation and migration, reducing inflammation and damage to blood vessels.
Avacopan is a C5a receptor antagonist used to treat ANCA-associated vasculitis (GPA and MPA) by blocking neutrophil-mediated inflammation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AJ05
- RxNorm
- 2572100
- Generic
- Avacopan
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Tavneos
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless potential benefits justify potential fetal risk
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue therapy if pregnancy detected unless clearly necessary
continuous fetal monitoring throughout pregnancy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during avacopan treatment and for at least 5 days after last dose
monitor infant for any adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
under 18 yearsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients - avoid use in children and adolescents
not applicable - not studied
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno dose adjustment required
use standard adult dosing - no overall differences in safety or efficacy observed but monitor for comorbidities
regular assessment of renal and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
no clinically significant effect on pharmacokinetics - standard dosing applies
routine monitoring of renal function
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data available - use with caution and close monitoring
frequent monitoring of renal function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
no clinically significant effect on pharmacokinetics - standard dosing applies
routine monitoring of liver function tests
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data available - use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
frequent monitoring of liver function tests and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Complement inhibitor class information
FDA approval year
Regulatory approval information
Primary indications
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Avacopan is used for the treatment of severe active granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in adult patients. These are rare autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of small blood vessels (vasculitis).
Avacopan works as a selective antagonist of the complement 5a receptor (C5aR). It blocks the interaction between C5a and its receptor, preventing C5a-mediated neutrophil activation, adhesion, and migration. This reduces the inflammatory response that damages blood vessels in vasculitis.
Avacopan is typically taken orally twice daily with food. It is often used in combination with other immunosuppressive therapies such as rituximab or cyclophosphamide, and may be used with a tapering course of corticosteroids. Patients should be monitored for infections, liver function, and blood counts. The medication should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy