Uses
The combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor is used along with ivacaftor to treat certain types of cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction) in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Tezacaftor and ivacaftor should be used only in people with a certain genetic make-up. Your doctor may order a blood test to help decide if this medication is right for you. Tezacaftor is in a class of medications called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) correctors. Ivacaftor is in a class of medications called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiators. Both of these medications work by improving the function of a protein in the body to decrease the build-up of thick mucus in the lungs and improve other cystic fibrosis symptoms.
Side Effects Of Tezacaftor And Ivacaftor
Tezacaftor and ivacaftor may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- nasal congestion
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking tezacaftor and ivacaftor and call your doctor immediately:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- pale stools
- stomach pain
- dark urine
- Tezacaftor and ivacaftor may cause cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye that may cause vision problems) in children and teenagers. Children and teenagers taking tezacaftor and ivacaftor should see an eye doctor before and during their treatment. Talk to your child’s doctor about the risks of giving tezacaftor and ivacaftor to your child.
Tezacaftor and ivacaftor may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking the tezacaftor and ivacaftor:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tezacaftor, ivacaftor, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in tezacaftor and ivacaftor and ivacaftor tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPac), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), and telithromycin (Ketek); certain antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), and voriconazole (Vfend); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol, others), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, in Rifamate, in Rifater, Rimactane); sirolimus (Rapamune); or tacrolimus (Astagraf, Prograf). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with tezacaftor and ivacaftor, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take St. John’s wort while taking the combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor along with ivacaftor.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking the combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor along with ivacaftor, call your doctor.
- you should know that these medications may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how these medications affect you.
Dosage Of Tezacaftor And Ivacaftor
The combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor and ivacaftor come as tablets to take by mouth. This medication comes in a package with 4 weeks of medication. Each daily dose has different types of tablets: one tablet is the combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor and the other tablet is ivacaftor. Take tezacaftor and ivacaftor (1 yellow tablet) every morning with fatty food and ivacaftor (1 blue tablet) every evening with a fatty food, 12 hours apart. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take these medications exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Take the combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor and ivacaftor with fatty foods such as eggs, butter, nuts, peanut butter, cheese pizza, and whole-milk dairy products (such as whole milk, cheese, and yogurt). Talk to your doctor about other fatty foods to eat with these medications.
The combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor along with ivacaftor works to control cystic fibrosis, but they do not cure it. Continue to take these medications even if you feel well. Do not stop taking these medications without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order an eye exam (for children and teenagers) and certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to tezacaftor and ivacaftor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
