What are Ivacaftor and Tezacaftor?
Combination medicine Ivacaftor with tezacaftor treats cystic fibrosis among adults and children aged at least six years.
Ivacaftor or tezacaftor should only be used by patients who have a specific mutation of a gene related to cystic fibrosis. You may need to undergo a medical examination before you can take ivacaftor or tezacaftor. Ivacaftor or tezacaftor can also be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ivacaftor and Tezacaftor
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling and redness or other visible symptoms of irritation - seek medical assistance immediately!
Ivacaftor or tezacaftor can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Vision problems or other eye disorders
- Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Some of the common side effects associated with ivacaftor or tezacaftor include:
- Stuffy nose;
- Dizziness;
- Nausea;
- Headache.
There may be other side effects.To seek medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician directly. Alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report them.
Warnings
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and any new ones. Some drugs are not to be taken together, and others can cause drug interactions.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ivacaftor, tezacaftor, or both, then it is best not to use these drugs.
Certain medicines can have unwanted or harmful effects when combined with ivacaftor or tezacaftor. If you are also taking
- John's Wort;
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin,
- Tuberculosis medicine—rifabutin, rifampin.
Inform your physician if any of the following apply to you:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. Ivacaftor or tezacaftor should not be used by children younger than six years of age.
How to take Ivacaftor and tezacaftor?
Read all of the instructions or guides included with your medication and follow all instructions listed on its label. Follow the directions on the label.
Ivacaftor and tezacaftor are supplied as two daily tablets. The yellow tablet should be taken in the early morning, and then the blue tablet 12 hours later. Please follow your doctor's instructions for dosage.
Take this medication with foods that contain fats, such as butter or peanut butter. Also, eat cheese, yogurt, cheese pizza, or whole milk. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. Your liver function will be monitored by frequent blood tests. Your blood pressure should be checked on a regular basis.
Children who use this medication may require frequent eye examinations to detect cataracts. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store each tablet in the daily blister strip.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dose, take it immediately. However, if the dose is more than six hours past due, skip it. Take only one dose at a time. Take a missed dose along with food that contains fat.
Call your doctor if you miss a dose or stop taking Ivacaftor or Tezacaftor for more than one week. It is possible that you need a different dosage.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how ivacaftor/tezacaftor affects you. You may be unable to react.
Grapefruits and Seville oranges can interact with ivacaftor or tezacaftor, causing unwanted side effects. Avoid using grapefruit marmalades and grapefruit products.
Interaction with other drug
If you are also taking other medications, your doctor may need to adjust the dose of tezacaftor or ivacaftor.
- An antibiotic—clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, or
- Antifungal medicine: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect ivacaftor or tezacaftor. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
