Reviews (56)Overview: Tarpeyo is used to protect your kidneys if you have certain kidney problems. Common side effects may include headache, swelling in your feet, ankles, or lower legs, weight gain, high blood pressure, and acne. Serious side effects are less common, but may include certain hormone problems or immune system problems. Tell your health care provider right away if you have easy or frequent bruising, feel unusually weak or tired, or think you have an infection. Before you start taking Tarpeyo, talk to your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines that you take.
Uses
What is Tarpeyo used for?
Tarpeyo (budesonide) is commonly used to protect kidney function in people with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk for their disease getting worse.
Your Guide to Tarpeyo for Nephropathy
Tarpeyo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Tarpeyo work (mechanism of action)?
People with IgAN have high levels of a substance in their blood that can build up in the kidneys and cause kidney inflammation and damage. Tarpeyo reduces inflammation and weakens the immune system, which may decrease the amount of this substance the body makes. This may help protect the kidneys from further damage.
How is Tarpeyo supplied (dosage forms)?
Tarpeyo is available in the following dosage form that is taken by mouth.
4 mg delayed-release capsules
How should I store Tarpeyo?
Tarpeyo 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. Keep tightly closed.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Tarpeyo?
The most common side effects of Tarpeyo are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Ankle, lower leg, or feet swelling
- High blood pressure
- Muscle cramps
- Acne
- Headache
- Cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and cough
- Swelling of the face
- Weight gain
- Upset stomach
- Skin irritation or inflammation
- Joint pain
- Increased white blood cell count
There may be other side effects of Tarpeyo 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 Tarpeyo?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Tarpeyo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Increased Stress Hormone (Hypercorticism). Long-term use of Tarpeyo can lead to hypercorticism, a condition when your body has too much stress hormone, also called cortisol. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of increased stress hormone.
- Acne
- Easy or frequent bruising
- More or thicker hair on your body and face
- Rounded or moon-like face
- Ankle swelling
- Hump or a fatty pad between your shoulders
- Stretch marks on your stomach, thighs, breasts, or arms
Decreased Adrenal Gland Function (Adrenal Suppression). Long-term use of Tarpeyo can cause adrenal insufficiency, a condition when your adrenal glands do not make enough stress hormone, also called cortisol. Talk to your health care provider if you are under stress or have any of the following signs and symptoms of decreased stress hormone.
- Weakness or tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
Weakened Immune System. Tarpeyo weakens your immune system. You may be more likely to get infections. Avoid being around people who are sick, especially people who have measles or chickenpox. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of infection.
- Fever or chills
- Feeling tired
- Body aches or pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation. If you have the hepatitis B virus in your body or have had hepatitis B in the past, Tarpeyo could make the virus active again. Keep all appointments for blood work before starting Tarpeyo and during treatment. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis.
- Unusual tiredness
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Dark-colored pee
- Fever or chills
- Pain in your side
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Severe Allergic Reactions. Tarpeyo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Tarpeyo 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
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Tarpeyo?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Tarpeyo.
- Tarpeyo
- Budesonide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Tarpeyo.
Liver Problems. Tarpeyo should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to know if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about Tarpeyo before using it?
Do not take Tarpeyo unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not stop taking Tarpeyo without talking with your health care provider.
Do not share Tarpeyo with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Tarpeyo out of the reach of children.
Do not open, chew, cut, or crush Tarpeyo. You should swallow the capsules whole.
Take Tarpeyo in the morning at least 1 hour before a meal.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Tarpeyo?
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 Tarpeyo is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Infection. Tell your health care provider if you have any type of infection or an infection that keeps coming back. Especially tell your health care provider if you have known or suspected strongyloidiasis, fungal infection, tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, measles, or herpes infection of the eye even if you are getting treatment. Also, tell your health care provider if you had hepatitis B or TB in the past or live or work with someone who has TB, measles, or chickenpox.
Vaccines. Vaccines may not work as well if you take Tarpeyo. Tell your health care provider if you need a vaccine or plan to get a vaccine.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Plans to have surgery
- Liver problems
- High blood sugar levels (diabetes or prediabetes)
- High blood pressure
- Eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts
- Osteoporosis
- Stomach ulcers
- Unexplained diarrhea or recently spent time in the tropics
- Cerebral malaria
Other Medicines and Supplements. Tarpeyo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Tarpeyo, tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. Tarpeyo may harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Tarpeyo while pregnant. Call your health care provider right away if your newborn is irritable, vomiting, or not feeding well.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Tarpeyo passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Tarpeyo?
For more information about Tarpeyo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.TARPEYOTouchpoints.com or call them at 933-444-8277.
Interactions
Does Tarpeyo interact with foods or drinks?
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Tarpeyo.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Tarpeyo.
Does Tarpeyo 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 using Tarpeyo.
- A medicine used for fungus infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
- A medicine used for HIV or AIDS such as ritonavir, indinavir, or saquinavir
- Erythromycin, which is an antibiotic
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Tarpeyo. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Tarpeyo?
If you or someone else has used too much Tarpeyo, 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 Tarpeyo?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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