As with other drugs, Rukobia (fostemsavir) can cause side effects, such as nausea. If you are not able to tolerate side effects of Rukobia, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Rukobia (fostemsavir) is a brand-name extended-release (ER) oral tablet that’s prescribed for HIV in certain adults.

If you have problems with side effects from Rukobia, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop taking Rukobia without consulting your doctor first.

For additional information about Rukobia, including details about its uses, see this Rukobia overview article.

Rukobia can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The more common side effect reported by people who took Rukobia in clinical trials was nausea. For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Mild side effects can occur with Rukobia use. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Rukobia’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Rukobia include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Rukobia and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Rukobia may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Rukobia’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Rukobia, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

Allergic reaction

For some people, Rukobia can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Rukobia, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Rukobia may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Rukobia.

Nausea

Nausea was a common side effect reported in studies of Rukobia. It was typically mild.

What you can do

If you have nausea during Rukobia treatment, talk with your doctor. They may recommend taking Rukobia with food. Home remedies for nausea may include breathing exercises or drinking certain teas, such as ginger or peppermint.

Headache

In studies of Rukobia, headache was reported as a side effect of the drug. It was typically mild.

What you can do

If you experience a headache while taking Rukobia, talk with your doctor. They may recommend over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), to help with symptom relief. Natural remedies for headache may include relaxation techniques, drinking more water, or using cold or hot compresses.

Rukobia may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How long do side effects of Rukobia last?

It depends. Most of Rukobia’s side effects are mild and should be temporary. However, side effects can vary from person to person.

If you experience side effects of Rukobia that are bothersome or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Rukobia cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time you’re taking a drug, even if you’ve taken it for a long time. It also includes side effects that may not go away, even after you stop taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported in Rukobia’s studies include:

  • changes in liver function tests, which may be a sign of liver damage
  • QT prolongation

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Rukobia and how long they may last.

Before taking Rukobia, discuss your health history with your doctor. Rukobia may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus
  • certain heart problems, including QT prolongation
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

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.