CSU, also known as chronic hives with no known external triggers, is a condition characterized by hives, swelling, or both for more than 6 weeks.

Chronic hives with no known external triggers is thought to be linked to an overactive immune system. The signal causes the mast cells to release a large amount of histamine which may result in hives, itch, and/or swelling.

CSU can come with daily, almost daily symptoms or intermittent recurrence. In some patients, hives can go away for a long time and then come back again, even months or years later.

RHAPSIDO is the only pill of its kind that targets inside the mast cell, helping to inhibit some histamine release.

How RHAPSIDO works in the body and how it affects your symptoms is unknown.

RHAPSIDO should be taken twice daily, with or without food. RHAPSIDO tablets should be swallowed whole with water, and should not be split, crushed, or chewed.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

Once you’ve been prescribed RHAPSIDO, you and your doctor should discuss your treatment plan.

If a dose is missed, it should be skipped, and the next dose should be taken at its regularly scheduled time. You should not take extra doses of RHAPSIDO to make up for a missed dose or doses.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

RHAPSIDO may cause serious side effects, including: Risk of bleeding. Bleeding may happen while being treated with RHAPSIDO. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for signs and symptoms of bleeding and may stop your treatment if bleeding happens. Your risk of bleeding may increase if you are also taking a blood thinner medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any signs or symptoms of bleeding, such as:

• bruising, or red or purple skin marks 

• pink or brown urine 

• headache, dizziness, confusion, or feeling weak 

• red or black stools that look like tar

Get safety information

The most common side effects with RHAPSIDO were nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis), bleeding, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. These are not all the possible side effects of RHAPSIDO.

Get safety information

If you’re unsure if your insurance plan covers RHAPSIDO, the Novartis Patient Support team is here to help you navigate coverage and payment options.

Learn more about how the Novartis Patient Support Team can help you.

Whether it’s photos or a log of dates of symptoms, any recorded evidence can help your doctor understand the bigger picture and ongoing symptoms you’re experiencing.

Explore more guidance on talking to your doctor.

Chronic hives with no known external triggers can be difficult to talk about, but there are tips and tools available to help you foster a better conversation. For guidance on talking to your doctor, click here.