Uses
This product has 2 different tablets. One tablet contains 3 medications (it is a "multi-drug"): elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor. The other tablet contains only ivacaftor.
This product is used to treat cystic fibrosis in certain people (those with an abnormal "CFTR" gene). It may help to improve breathing, reduce the risk of lung infections, and improve weight gain.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take these medications by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 multi-drug tablets in the morning, and 1 ivacaftor tablet about 12 hours later in the evening. Take the tablets with food that contains fat. Some examples are eggs, meat, nuts, butter, peanut butter, whole-milk dairy products (such as whole milk, cheese, yogurt).
The manufacturer directs to swallow this medication whole. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split/crushed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Use this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.
Side Effects
Headache, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this product has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
This product may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, such as:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
This product can commonly cause a rash (especially in females) that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to elexacaftor, tezacaftor, or ivacaftor; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
This product may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor from your body, which may affect how this product works. Examples include mifepristone, rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), drugs for seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), St. John's wort, among others.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this product with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as CFTR gene testing, liver/lung function, eye exams) should be done before you start taking this product and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Missed Dose
If you miss a morning or evening dose and it has been less than 6 hours, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a morning and evening dose at the same time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you miss the morning dose and it has been more than 6 hours, take it as soon as you remember and do not take the evening dose. Take your next day's doses at the regular times.
If you miss the evening dose and it has been more than 6 hours, skip the missed evening dose. Take your next day's doses at the regular times.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
