Revefenacin (Teflaro) is an inhalable long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) approved in the United States for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a once-daily inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator that helps to relax the muscles in the airways of the lungs, which helps to improve breathing in people with COPD. It is the first and only inhaled LAMA with a once-daily dosing regimen. Revefenacin is available in an inhaler device that delivers the medication in a fine mist for inhalation. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018.
Revefenacin is a medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here's a closer look at its key features:
What it treats:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It's often caused by smoking and is characterized by airflow limitation in the lungs. Revefenacin helps manage COPD symptoms, not cure it.
How it works:
- Bronchodilator: Revefenacin belongs to a class of medications called long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways in your lungs, allowing them to open up and making it easier to breathe.
Dosage and administration:
- Revefenacin comes as an inhalation solution delivered through a nebulizer, a device that turns the liquid medication into a fine mist for you to inhale.
- It's typically used once daily, as prescribed by your doctor.
Important considerations:
- Not a rescue medication: Revefenacin is for long-term maintenance treatment of COPD. It won't relieve sudden breathing problems. Keep a separate quick-relief inhaler prescribed by your doctor for sudden COPD attacks.
- Not a cure: Revefenacin helps manage COPD symptoms but doesn't cure the underlying disease.
Potential side effects:
- Common side effects include dry mouth, cough, hoarseness, and throat irritation.
- Less common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, and constipation.
- In rare cases, Revefenacin may cause urinary tract problems.
Before using Revefenacin:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, medications you take (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), and any medical conditions, especially prostate problems or urinary retention.
- Revefenacin may interact with certain medications, so complete disclosure is crucial.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of using Revefenacin during pregnancy or breastfeeding.