Tezacaftor and Ivacaftor
The combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor is used along with ivacaftor to treat certain types of cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction) in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Tezacaftor and ivacaftor should be used only in people with a certain genetic make-up. Your doctor may order a blood test to help decide if this medication is right for you. Tezacaftor 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 improve other cystic fibrosis symptoms.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
The combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor and ivacaftor come as tablets to take by mouth. This medication comes in a package with 4 weeks of medication. Each daily dose has different types of tablets: one tablet is the combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor and the other tablet is ivacaftor. Take tezacaftor and ivacaftor (1 yellow tablet) every morning with a fatty food and ivacaftor (1 blue tablet) every evening with a fatty food, 12 hours apart. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take these medications exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Take the combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor and ivacaftor with fatty foods such as eggs, butter, nuts, peanut butter, cheese pizza, and whole-milk dairy products (such as whole milk, cheese, and yogurt). Talk to your doctor about other fatty foods to eat with these medications.
The combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor along with ivacaftor works to control cystic fibrosis, but they do not cure it. Continue to take these medications even if you feel well. Do not stop taking these medications without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Once you do get to see the doctor, don’t be surprised if you’re rushed out of the exam room before you get all of your questions answered, according to healthcare staffing agency Staff Care. Studies show that 41% of ophthalmologists spend just 9 to 12 minutes with a patient, and 13- to 16-minute appointments are the norm for 40% of cardiologists, 37% of pediatricians, 35% of urologists, 35% of family physicians, 34% of obstetricians and gynecologists and 30% of otolaryngologists.
