Yupelri Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Like all medications, Yupelri (revefenacin) can cause side effects. Most people tolerate it well, and the most common side effects are mild. However, some side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Here's a complete, plain-English guide to Yupelri's side effect profile — what to watch for and what to do if something feels wrong.

Common Side Effects of Yupelri

In the two 12-week Phase 3 clinical trials that led to Yupelri's approval, the most common adverse reactions were those occurring in ≥2% of patients and more frequently than with placebo. These were generally mild to moderate and included:

Cough: Mild, persistent cough is the most commonly reported side effect. This is usually not dangerous but can be bothersome.

Nasopharyngitis: Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat — similar to common cold symptoms.

Upper respiratory tract infection: Increased susceptibility to upper airway infections such as sinusitis.

Headache: Usually mild and resolves on its own. Let your doctor know if headaches are severe or persistent.

Back pain: Mild back discomfort was reported more frequently in Yupelri-treated patients than placebo in clinical trials.

These common side effects usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Tell your healthcare provider if any of them are severe or don't go away.

Serious Side Effects of Yupelri: When to Call Your Doctor or 911

The following side effects are less common but can be serious. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of them:

1. Paradoxical Bronchospasm — Stop Yupelri and Call Immediately

Paradoxical bronchospasm occurs when Yupelri causes the airways to tighten instead of relax — the opposite of its intended effect. This can be life-threatening. Symptoms include sudden, severe wheezing, trouble breathing, or chest tightness occurring immediately after using Yupelri.

If this happens: Stop Yupelri immediately, use your rescue inhaler (albuterol), and call your doctor or 911. Do not use Yupelri again until you've talked with your healthcare provider.

2. Serious Allergic Reactions — Get Emergency Help

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions can occur with Yupelri. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include:

Hives or skin rash

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Severe dizziness or feeling like you might faint

If you experience any of these symptoms: Stop Yupelri immediately and call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not use Yupelri again.

3. Worsening Narrow-Angle Glaucoma — Eye Pain is a Red Flag

Yupelri can worsen narrow-angle glaucoma by increasing pressure inside the eye. This is most concerning for patients already diagnosed with glaucoma. Symptoms to watch for include:

Eye pain or discomfort

Blurred vision or difficulty seeing

Seeing halos or colored rings around lights

Red eyes from corneal congestion

If you experience any eye symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately and seek ophthalmology care promptly. Untreated acute glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.

4. Urinary Retention — Watch for Difficulty Urinating

As an anticholinergic, Yupelri can cause or worsen urinary retention — difficulty starting urination, weak stream, or inability to fully empty the bladder. This is a greater concern for men with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or anyone with bladder-neck obstruction.

Tell your doctor right away if you notice new difficulty urinating or pain during urination after starting Yupelri.

Who Should Be Extra Careful With Yupelri?

Some patients need to use Yupelri with extra caution or may not be able to use it at all:

Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma — use with caution; monitor eye pressure

Patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction — use with caution; monitor urinary symptoms

Patients with hepatic impairment — Yupelri is not recommended in any degree of liver disease

Patients with severe renal impairment — monitor for increased anticholinergic effects; no dosage adjustment needed but increased exposure is expected

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients — discuss risks and benefits with your doctor; Yupelri has not been studied in human pregnancy

Important Storage and Safety Notes

Store Yupelri at room temperature (68°F–77°F / 20°C–25°C) away from light and heat

Keep each vial in its foil pouch until ready to use; open only immediately before nebulization

Discard any leftover solution after use — each vial is single-use

Do not use if solution is not clear and colorless

For a complete guide to drug interactions with Yupelri, see our article: Yupelri Drug Interactions: What to Avoid. If you have difficulty filling your Yupelri prescription, medfinder.com can help you find pharmacies near you with it in stock.