Kalydeco Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Kalydeco

Signs of a severe allergic reaction to Kalydeco include rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, and tightness in the chest.
Symptoms of liver problems include dark urine, loss of appetite, stomach pain/discomfort, unexplained nausea or vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).
Respiratory issues, such as wheezing.

Common Side Effects of Kalydeco

Reactions that are most likely to occur include dizziness and headache
Gastrointestinal disturbances such as mild stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea may also occur.
Patients who use Kalydeco may also experience an increased risk for upper respiratory tract infections, which can cause runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough.

Warnings & Recalls for Kalydeco

General Kalydeco Warnings

Kalydeco is for use in those 6 years and older.
You should not take Kalydeco if you are taking carbamazepine, a hydantoin, phenobarbital, primidone, a rifamycin, or St. John's wort.
Let your doctor know what other prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medicines including dietary supplements.

Kalydeco Drug Interactions

Smaller doses of Kalydeco should be administered when used with CYYP3A inhibitors, as the body's exposure to ivacaftor is increased.
Kalydeco my increase the risk of side effects in cyclosporine, digoxin, midazolam, and tacrolimus
Kalydeco's effectiveness may be decreased by Carbamazepine, hydantoins, phenoobarbital, primidone, rifamycins, or St. Joun's wort.
The risk of side effects may be increased by Aprepitant, azole antifungals, diltiazem, fosaprepitant, macrolide antibiotics, nefazodone, protease inhibitors, telithromycin, and verapamil.

Kalydeco Treatment and Use

Kalydeco | ivacaftor is a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CTFR) medication used to treat cystic fibrosis in patients who suffer from the G551D gene mutation. It is the first drug to target the gene and protein products that are the root cause of cystic fibrosis. For those with the G551D mutation, it helps weight gain, lowers chloride levels in sweat, and improves lung function.

How does Kalydeco work?

Kalydeco enhances the functions of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The G551D mutation causes the CFTR protein to block proper flow of fluids and salt in and out of cells. By freeing the flow of salt and fluids, Kalydeco thins the mucus build up in the lungs that causes cystic fibrosis.

Kalydeco Dosage Information

The typical dose of Kalydeco is one tablet every 12 hours with fatty foods including butter, eggs, peanut butter, and cheese.

For those with hepatic impairments, Kalydeco is usually taken once daily. If the patient is also using powerful CYP3A inhibitors, the dose is reduced to twice a week.

Other Names for Kalydeco

Brand name:

Kalydeco

Generic name:

Ivacraftor

VX-770