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Overview: Lynavoy is used to treat itching caused by a certain liver condition. Lynavoy works by blocking a protein called IBAT, which helps reduce bile acids in the body. The most common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, increased liver enzymes, and bleeding. Contact your health care provider if you have any unusual bleeding or bruising. Get help right away if you have severe bleeding or bleeding that does not stop. 

Uses

Lynavoy (linerixibat) is commonly used to treat itching in people with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). PBC is a condition where the tubes (ducts) that carry bile become inflamed and damaged. Bile contains bile acids that help your body digest food. People with PBC often have persistent itching due to a buildup of bile acids in the body, known as cholestatic pruritus.

Learn more about Lynavoy for primary biliary cholangitis.

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

How does Lynavoy work (mechanism of action)?

Lynavoy works by blocking a protein in the body called the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT). This protein is found in the small intestine and is normally responsible for taking bile acids back into the body after they have been used to help digest food. By blocking the IBAT protein, Lynavoy helps more bile acids leave your body in your stool. 

How is Lynavoy supplied (dosage forms)?

Lynavoy is available in a 40 mg oral tablet that is taken by mouth.

How should I store Lynavoy?

Store Lynavoy 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 Lynavoy in the original bottle with the lid tightly closed to protect it from moisture. Keep the desiccant (a small packet that helps absorb moisture) in the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Lynavoy?

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

  • Diarrhea (see below)
  • Stomach pain or nausea
  • Increased liver enzymes (see below)
  • Bleeding (see below)
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach or stomach bloating
  • Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD)
  • Dizziness
  • Joint pain

There may be other side effects of Lynavoy 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 Lynavoy?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lynavoy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Lynavoy and 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 or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Increased Liver Enzymes. Changes in your liver function tests, including increased liver enzymes, can happen while taking Lynavoy. Keep all appointments for blood tests to check the health of your liver. If your liver enzymes become too high, your health care provider may tell you to pause or stop taking Lynavoy.

Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common while taking Lynavoy. This can sometimes be serious. If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration. Call your health care provider right away if you have diarrhea that does not go away or if you have any of the following symptoms of dehydration.

  • Not peeing much or having dark yellow pee
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling dizzy, weak, or fainting
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Muscle cramps
  • Lack of sweating
  • Extreme thirst

Bleeding. Bleeding can happen while taking Lynavoy. This is because the medicine can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins that affect blood clotting. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any unusual bleeding or bruising while taking Lynavoy. Get help right away if you have severe bleeding or bleeding that does not stop. 

Risk of Broken Bones. Taking Lynavoy may cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily. This is because the medicine can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins that support bone health. Get help right away if you have signs of a broken bone while taking Lynavoy, such as sudden pain, swelling, or trouble moving part of your body.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not take Lynavoy?

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

  • Linerixibat
  • Lynavoy
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Lynavoy before using it?

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

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

Keep Lynavoy out of the reach of children.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Take Lynavoy at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything other than water.

Keep all appointments to check your liver health and other blood work while taking Lynavoy.

Lynavoy may make it harder for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. These include vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are important for your vision, bones, and blood clotting. Your health care provider will check your vitamin levels before you start and while you are taking Lynavoy. If your vitamin levels become low, your health care provider may recommend vitamin supplements. Not getting enough of certain vitamins can lead to bleeding or bone problems. See the Side Effects section for more details.

What should I tell my health care provider before taking Lynavoy?

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 Lynavoy is right for you.

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

Severe Liver Disease. Before taking Lynavoy, tell your health care provider if you have severe or advanced liver disease (decompensated cirrhosis) or have had serious complications from liver disease. Examples include severe bleeding from enlarged blood vessels in your gut, fluid buildup that causes swelling of your belly (ascites), or confusion due to liver problems (hepatic encephalopathy). If you have a history of any of these problems, Lynavoy may not be the right medicine for you.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lynavoy may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Lynavoy, 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. It is not known if or how Lynavoy could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Lynavoy while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you take Lynavoy during pregnancy, your health care provider will let you know if you should also take certain vitamin supplements. If you become pregnant while taking Lynavoy, you can sign up for a pregnancy registry by calling 888-825-5249. This registry collects safety information about the use of Lynavoy during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Lynavoy passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Lynavoy while breastfeeding. If you take Lynavoy while breastfeeding, your health care provider will let you know if you should also take certain vitamin supplements. 

How can I get more information about Lynavoy?

For more information about Lynavoy, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.lynavoy.com or call them at 888-825-5249.

Interactions

Does Lynavoy interact with foods or drinks?

Take Lynavoy at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps the medicine to get where it needs to work before your body releases bile, which is a fluid that helps you digest what you eat and drink.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lynavoy. But alcohol use could increase the risk of possible side effects, such as dizziness, or worsen the condition that Lynavoy is treating. It is best to avoid alcohol when you have liver disease, including PBC. 

Does Lynavoy 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 taking a bile acid sequestrant medicine, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite), colestipol (Colestid), or colesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol or reduce absorption of bile acids from the intestine. If you take a bile acid sequestrant, take Lynavoy at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after that medicine.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Lynavoy. 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 take too much Lynavoy?

If you or someone else has used too much Lynavoy, 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 Lynavoy?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water, then continue with your regular schedule. But if it has been more than 6 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose at the next scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once or extra doses to make up for a missed dose.