Yupelri (revefenacin) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Yupelri comes as a solution that’s inhaled using a nebulizer, typically once per day.

Yupelri is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Yupelri belongs to a drug class called anticholinergics. It’s not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Yupelri, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Yupelri, see this article.

Note: This article describes the typical dosage for Yupelri provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Yupelri, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Yupelri’s form, strength, and dosage.

Yupelri form

Yupelri comes as a liquid solution in single-use vials for use with a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the liquid into a mist that you inhale through your mouth.

Yupelri strength

Yupelri comes in one strength of 175 micrograms (mcg) of drug per 3 milliliters (mL) of solution. Each vial holds 3 mL of solution.

Typical dosage

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for COPD

Doctors may prescribe Yupelri to lessen COPD symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Typically, people taking Yupelri will also have a rescue inhaler to use for sudden symptoms of COPD.

If your doctor prescribes Yupelri, the recommended dose is one vial (175 mcg/3 mL). Typically, you’ll inhale this by mouth (through the nebulizer mouthpiece) once daily. This is the only dose of Yupelri that’s recommended.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Yupelri is meant to be a long-term maintenance treatment for COPD. This means it helps manage COPD over time. If you and your doctor determine that Yupelri is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Do not stop taking Yupelri unless your doctor guides you in doing so safely, as your symptoms may worsen.

Before you start Yupelri, you and your doctor can discuss your treatment plan. You can ask your doctor how long you can expect to take the medication.

Yupelri comes as an individually wrapped vial of solution. You’ll use a nebulizer to inhale the medication by mouth. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about home nebulizer therapy for Yupelri. Inhalation of your dose will usually take about 8 minutes.

Try to take Yupelri at the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of Yupelri in your body so it can work effectively. Your daily dose should not be more than one vial. Remember that Yupelri is not a rescue medication. For sudden symptoms, use your rescue inhaler, not Yupelri.

You’ll store the vials in the protective foil pouches at room temperature. Keep the vials away from light, heat, and children. Only remove a vial from its pouch right before use. If a vial of solution isn’t clear and colorless, safely discard it and open a new pouch.

If you have questions about how to take Yupelri, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There’s also a helpful video on the manufacturer’s website.

Note: Do not swallow Yupelri or mix it with other drugs in your nebulizer.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you miss a dose of Yupelri, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, continue taking your next dose at your usual time.

Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose. (Don’t use more than one vial per day.) If you’re not sure whether to take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. You can set a daily alarm or put a note where you’ll see it. This could be by your nebulizer or where you typically do your treatments.

It’s important not to take more Yupelri than your doctor prescribes. Doing so may cause harmful effects or overdose.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Yupelri can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Yupelri

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Yupelri. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Yupelri.

Is the dosage of Yupelri similar to the dosage of other similar drugs, such as Spiriva?

Yes, there are some similarities in the dosages of these drugs. But there are differences as well, including the drug form. Yupelri and tiotropium (Spiriva) are both inhaled medications taken once daily for COPD.

Yupelri comes as a solution that you inhale as a mist through a nebulizer. In contrast, Spiriva comes as an inhaler. There are two types: Spiriva HandiHaler and Spiriva Respimat. Both are taken as two puffs (once daily).

Also, the dose in micrograms (mcg) for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Yupelri to start working?

Yupelri starts to work after your first dose. However, it’s taken long term as a maintenance treatment for COPD. Because it helps manage COPD symptoms over time, you likely won’t feel it working in your body. But with continued treatment, you may experience changes such as less wheezing or less breathlessness.

Your doctor will also monitor you to check whether Yupelri is working to treat your COPD.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Yupelri treatment.

The dosage in this article is the typical dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Yupelri for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never stop or change your dosage of Yupelri without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Yupelri that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Yupelri. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Yupelri: For information about other aspects of Yupelri, refer to this article.
  • Details about COPD: For details about your condition, see our COPD hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.