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Overview: Vanrafia is used to treat an autoimmune condition that affects the kidneys called immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Common side effects are anemia and swelling of the hands, legs, ankles, or feet. The medicine must not be used by pregnant patients. Do not have unprotected sex and use effective birth control during treatment and for two weeks after your last dose. Call your health care provider right away if you get pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Uses

What is Vanrafia used for?

Vanrafia (atrasentan) is commonly used to lower protein levels in the urine (pee) in people with an autoimmune disease called primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk for their disease getting worse.

Learn more about Vanrafia for Treatment of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy.

Vanrafia may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Vanrafia work (mechanism of action)?

In people with immunoglobulin A nephropathy, the immune system attacks the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage. Vanrafia works by blocking certain receptors involved in this process, helping to protect the kidneys. 

How is Vanrafia supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vanrafia

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.75 mg oral tablets

How should I store Vanrafia?

Vanrafia should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vanrafia?

The most common side effects of Vanrafia are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Swelling of hands, legs, ankles, and feet
  • Low red blood cell levels (anemia)

There may be other side effects of Vanrafia that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Vanrafia?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Vanrafia are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vanrafia may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Vanrafia. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Fluid Retention (Edema). Vanrafia can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles
  • Unusual weight gain

Low Sperm Count. Vanrafia may cause low levels of sperm, which can affect your ability to get a partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Vanrafia?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Vanrafia.

  • Vanrafia
  • Atrasentan
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vanrafia.

Pregnancy. Do not take Vanrafia if you are pregnant. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

What should I know about Vanrafia before using it?

Do not take Vanrafia unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Vanrafia with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Vanrafia out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Vanrafia.

If you can become pregnant, you should be on an effective birth control method while you are taking this medicine and for two weeks after stopping it. Talk to your health care provider about effective birth control methods. Call your health care provider right away if you have unprotected sex, if you think your birth control has failed, or if you have missed your period. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Vanrafia?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Vanrafia is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Liver Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have liver problems. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vanrafia may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Vanrafia, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Vanrafia may cause harm to an unborn baby. You need a negative pregnancy test before you start this medicine. Use effective birth control during treatment and for two weeks after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed if you take Vanrafia. It is not known if Vanrafia can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Vanrafia?

For more information about Vanrafia, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.vanrafia.com or call them at 888-669-6682.

Interactions

Does Vanrafia interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Vanrafia and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vanrafia.

Does Vanrafia interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Vanrafia.

  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is a medicine for high cholesterol

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Vanrafia. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vanrafia. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vanrafia?

If you or someone else has used too much Vanrafia, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vanrafia?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses.

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