Filspari

What is FILSPARI?

(FILSPARI) This medication is used to treat a certain kidney problem (IgAN - primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy). Sparsentan helps to lower levels of protein in the urine.

How should I use FILSPARI?

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking sparsentan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily before a meal. You may take this medication before your morning or evening meal, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the same way with every dose. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew the tablets. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Antacids can decrease the absorption of sparsentan. If you are taking an antacid, take sparsentan 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking antacids. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take FILSPARI?

Before taking sparsentan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). This medication may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. (See also Warning section). Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with FILSPARI?

See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: aliskiren, ARBs (such as losartan, valsartan), certain drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension (such as ambrisentan, bosentan, macitentan), certain drugs that reduce stomach acid (including H2 blockers such as famotidine, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole). Other medications can affect the removal of sparsentan from your body, which may affect how sparsentan works. Examples include adagrasib, azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), cobicistat, enzalutamide, certain HIV protease inhibitors (such as nelfinavir, saquinavir), certain macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), rifampin, certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), St. John's wort, among others.

What should I watch for while using FILSPARI?

Sparsentan can rarely cause liver problems. Your doctor will order liver function tests before you start taking sparsentan, monthly for the first 12 months, then every 3 months while you are taking this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. Your doctor may stop your treatment for some time if you get serious side effects. This drug may cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. You must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment, monthly while taking this medication, and 1 month after the last dose. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication and for 1 month after the last dose. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. (See also Precautions section). To receive this medication in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the Filspari REMS Program. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.

What if I miss a dose of FILSPARI?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving FILSPARI?

See also Warning section. Dizziness may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), unusual weight gain, swelling of ankles/legs/feet. Although sparsentan may be used to treat people who have kidney problems, it may also rarely cause serious kidney problems or make them worse. Your doctor will check your kidney function while you are taking sparsentan. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep FILSPARI?

Store in the original container at room temperature away from moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.