Rukobia

Generic name:fostemsavir (extended-release tablets)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antivirals

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Jul 8, 2020.

What is Rukobia?

Rukobia is a prescription medicine that is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection in adults who:

• have received several anti-HIV-1 regimens in the past, and
• have HIV-1 virus that is resistant to many antiretroviral medicines, and
• are failing their current antiretroviral therapy. You could be failing therapy because it is not working or no longer works, you are not able to tolerate the side effects, or there are other safety reasons why you cannot take it.

HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
It is not known if this medicine is safe and effective in children.

Who should not take Rukobia?

You should not take Rukobia if you:

• are allergic to fostemsavir or any of the ingredients. See the end of this page for a complete list of ingredients.
• take certain medicines, including:
  • enzalutamide
  • carbamazepine
  • phenytoin
  • rifampin
  • mitotane
  • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Before taking Rukobia

Before you start treatment, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have or have had a heart problem, including a heart rhythm problem called QTc prolongation (irregular heartbeat).
• have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Rukobia will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during treatment.
  Pregnancy Exposure Registry. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for women who take antiretroviral medicines, including Rukobia, during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is t.