Lumacaftor and Ivacaftor
Lumacaftor and ivacaftor is used to treat certain types of cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction) in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Lumacaftor 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 improving other symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
The combination of lumacaftor and ivacaftor comes as a tablet and as granules to take by mouth. It is usually taken with fatty foods twice a day, 12 hours apart. Take lumacaftor and ivacaftor at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lumacaftor and ivacaftor exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To prepare a dose of lumacaftor and ivacaftor granules, mix the entire packet of granules in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of a soft food or liquid (cold or at room temperature) such as yogurt, applesauce, pudding, milk, or juice. Take the entire mixture within 1 hour of mixing the granules with food or a liquid.
Take lumacaftor and ivacaftor with fatty foods such as eggs, avocados, nuts, butter, peanut butter, cheese pizza, whole milk and other whole milk products such as cheese and full fat yogurt. Talk to your doctor about other fatty foods to eat with lumacaftor and ivacaftor.
Lumacaftor and ivacaftor controls cystic fibrosis but does not cure it. Continue to take lumacaftor and ivacaftor even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lumacaftor and ivacaftor without talking to your doctor.
If you do not take lumacaftor and ivacaftor for 7 days or longer, do not start taking it again without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may need to change your dose of this medication or other medications you are taking.
The last 20 years have seen the cost of medical care increase about 70% faster than the rate of general inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Research Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Healthcare inflation dropped to a historical low after 2010 but is again on the rise as of 2018, according to Bloomberg.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
