Overview
Filspari is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to slow kidney function decline in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk for disease progression. The drug is available only through a restricted distribution program. People with IgAN should stop taking certain other blood pressure medications before starting Filspari and must be monitored regularly for liver health and pregnancy status due to potential risks. Filspari is also known by its drug name, sparsentan.

Filspari belongs to a class of drugs called endothelin and angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists. Scientists believe it helps protect kidney function by blocking specific pathways that contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney damage in people with IgAN.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Filspari is taken orally once daily. Treatment starts a lower dose daily for 14 days and then increases to a higher dose once daily if tolerated. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water, either before the morning or evening meal. The drug should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Filspari include hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), hypotension (low blood pressure), peripheral edema (swelling of limbs), dizziness, anemia (low red blood cell count), and acute kidney injury.

Rare but serious side effects may include hepatotoxicity (liver damage), liver failure, and embryo-fetal toxicity (harm to an unborn baby). Filspari may also cause fluid retention and increased risk of severe low blood pressure or worsening kidney function in certain individuals.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Filspari (Sparsentan) Tablets, for Oral Use — Travere Therapeutics