Lumacaftor and ivacaftor is used to treat certain types of cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction). 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 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.
The combination of lumacaftor and ivacaftor comes as a tablet 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.
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 change your dose of this medication or other medications you are taking.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking lumacaftor and ivacaftor,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If you remember the missed dose within 6 hours of the time you were scheduled to take it, take the missed dose right away. However, if more than 6 hours have passed since the time you usually take lumacaftor and ivacaftor, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
lumacaftor and ivacaftor may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking lumacaftor and ivacaftor and call your doctor immediately:
Lumacaftor and ivacaftor may cause cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye that may cause vision problems) in children and teenagers. Children and teenagers taking lumacaftor and ivacaftor should see an eye doctor before and during their treatment. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving lumacaftor and ivacaftor to your child.
Lumacaftor and ivacaftor may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( Web Site) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Web Site
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order a lab test before you begin your treatment to see whether your condition can be treated with lumacaftor and ivacaftor as it should be used only in people with a certain genetic make-up. Your doctor will order an eye exam and certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body's response to lumacaftor and ivacaftor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: April 15, 2019.