Ivacaftor is used to treat cystic fibrosis (an inherited disease that causes excessively thick and sticky mucus build-up in the lungs or intestines).
Take Ivacaftor exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine with fat-containing meals such as eggs, butter, peanut butter, cheese pizza, whole milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ivacaftor is available as a tablet or oral granules for suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the oral granules, mix with a teaspoonful (5 mL) of soft food such as pureed fruits or vegetables, yoghurt, applesauce, or liquid such as water, milk, or juice. Once it is mixed, drink it immediately.
Ivacaftor must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose and it is within 6 hours of the usual schedule, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If it is more than 6 hours after the usual schedule, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate to severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
- have undergone an organ transplant
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Some genetic traits can affect an individual's response to Ivacaftor. Your doctor may perform genetic testing before giving you this medicine to know if it is suitable for you.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine liver and lung function tests, and eye examinations (particularly in children) may be done before and during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you or your child need to have these tests.
Ivacaftor may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, throat pain, stuffy nose, common cold, stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, ear pain or discomfort, ringing in the ears, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert the doctor quickly if your child experience clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, fluconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- certain medicines for diabetes e.g. glimepiride, glipizide
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- oral midazolam (medicine for insomnia [difficulty sleeping])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ivacaftor.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and St. John's wort.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Avoid Seville oranges.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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