IVACAFTOR - ORAL

IVACAFTOR - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (EYE-va-KAF-tor)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Kalydeco

GENERIC NAME(S): ivacaftor

Uses

USES: This medication 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 IVACAFTOR - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking ivacaftor and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (every 12 hours). If you are taking the tablet form of this medication, take this medication with fat-containing foods (such as eggs, butter, peanut butter, cheese). If you are taking the granules form of this medication, gently shake the packet before use. Empty the packet into a small cup with 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters) of soft food (such as yogurt, applesauce) or liquid (such as water, milk). The soft food or liquid should be at or below room temperature. Mix the granules with the soft food or liquid and take the entire mixture within 1 hour of mixing. Eat a fat-containing food either right before or just after taking the mixture. 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). Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Also avoid eating Seville oranges (often found in marmalade). Grapefruit and Seville oranges can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, and nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any side effects, including: vision changes. Ivacaftor may rarely cause serious liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting/loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin. Ivacaftor can commonly cause a rash 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. Therefore, tell your doctor 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

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking ivacaftor, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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 medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana 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. 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 medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

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 ivacaftor from your body, which may affect how ivacaftor works. Examples include rifamycins (such as rifabutin), drugs for seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), St. John's wort, among others.

Overdose

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. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for IVACAFTOR - ORAL

Ivacaftor is an oral medication used to treat certain types of cystic fibrosis.

Ivacaftor works by improving the function of the defective CFTR protein in patients with specific gene mutations associated with cystic fibrosis.

Ivacaftor is specifically indicated for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in patients aged 6 months and older who have one of the following mutations: G551D, G1244E, G1349D, G178R, G551S, S1251N, S1255P, S549N, S549R, or R117H.

Ivacaftor is taken orally as tablets or granules. The dosage and administration instructions should be followed as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Yes, some common side effects of Ivacaftor may include headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal congestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

Yes, Ivacaftor is approved for use in children aged 6 months and older who have the specific gene mutations mentioned earlier.

The use of Ivacaftor during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider. The potential risks and benefits should be evaluated.

Ivacaftor may interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform the healthcare provider about all the medications (prescription and over-the-counter) being taken before starting Ivacaftor.

The response to Ivacaftor may vary among individuals. It is best to consult with the prescribing healthcare provider for an accurate estimation of when the medication will start showing its effects.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.