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.

Tarpeyo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare 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 to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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. 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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

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 healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about Tarpeyo before using it?

Do not use Tarpeyo unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not stop taking Tarpeyo without talking with your healthcare 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. 

Take Tarpeyo in the morning at least 1 hour before a meal.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Tarpeyo?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if Tarpeyo is right for you.

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

Infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any type of infection or an infection that keeps coming back. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you have tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, measles, or herpes infection of the eye even if you are getting treatment. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you had 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 healthcare provider if you need a vaccine or plan to get a vaccine.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare 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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Tarpeyo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Tarpeyo, tell your healthcare 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 an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Tarpeyo while pregnant. Call your healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

Does Tarpeyo (budesonide) 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 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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proteins in the urine associated with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy