Avacopan (Tavneos)

Avacopan (Tavneos) is an oral medication which is FDA approved to treat certain types of ANCA-associated vasculitis such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis. These are autoimmune diseases in which the immune system causes inflammation and damage to small blood vessels.

Avacopan blocks a signaling protein in the immune system called the C5a receptor, which plays a key role in driving blood vessel inflammation in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Avacopan has been shown to help reduce the amount of steroids and length of steroid treatment for patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed ANCA-associated vasculitis.

How To Take It

Avacopan is given by mouth, the dose is one 30 mg pill taken two times every day. Avacopan should be taken with food and the pills should be swallowed whole. It is important to take avacopan as prescribed and not miss or skip doses.

It is typically prescribed along with other medications for vasculitis such as cyclophosphamide or rituximab as well as steroids.

Regular blood tests are needed while on avacopan to monitor for liver damage while taking this medication. People should be tested for hepatitis B infection before starting avacopan.

Avacopan can interact with some medications, it is important to review all the medications and supplements that you take with your rheumatologist before starting this medicine.

Side Effects

The most common side effects are nausea or stomach discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, rashes, and fatigue. Less common but potentially serious side effects may include increased risk of infection, high blood pressure, and liver inflammation. The frequency and severity of liver inflammation associated with avacopan use is still being studied by the FDA.

Avacopan is not recommended for use in people with liver disease or liver damage (cirrhosis).

Tell Your Rheumatology Provider

Before starting avacopan, ask your doctor what vaccinations may be needed before starting avacopan and tell your rheumatologist if:

• You are pregnant, are considering pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding, as this medicine has not been determined to be safe for use in pregnancy and it is not known if the medication is present in breast milk
• If you have a history of liver disease

While taking avacopan, tell your rheumatologist if you develop:

• Symptoms of an infection such as a fever or cough or are prescribed antibiotics
• New rashes, shortness of breath, hives, or other symptoms concerning an allergic reaction
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin or dark (tea colored) urine

Live vaccines like the nasal spray flu vaccine, measles, mumps, rubella, or yellow fever vaccines should be avoided while on avacopan. Be sure to talk with your doctor before undergoing any surgery while taking this medication.

Updated June 2026 by Elizabeth Graef, DO, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.

This patient fact sheet is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.