Kalydeco (Ivacaftor)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Kalydeco Used For?
Kalydeco is a medication that helps manage cystic fibrosis by improving the flow of chloride and water in patients with specific genetic mutations.
Primary Uses
Chronic treatment of cystic fibrosis in patients aged 1 month and older with at least one responsive CFTR gene mutation.
How It Works
Kalydeco acts as a CFTR potentiator, enhancing the opening of the CFTR protein to allow more chloride to pass through.
Good to know: Kalydeco is not addictive.
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How to Take Kalydeco
Follow your doctor's instructions on how to take Kalydeco, which can be in the form of granules or tablets.
Dosage Instructions
Dosage varies by age and weight: 1 month to <2 months: 13.4 mg once daily; 2 months to <4 months: 13.4 mg every 12 hours; 4 months to <6 months: 25 mg every 12 hours; 6 months and older: varies from 25 mg to 150 mg every 12 hours depending on weight.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it within 6 hours. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Do not double the dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Common cold
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Significant pain or discomfort in the upper right abdominal area
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Rash or hives
- Tightness of the chest or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Light-headedness or dizziness
Important Warnings
There are important considerations to keep in mind before using Kalydeco.
Who Should Not Take Kalydeco
Do not use Kalydeco if you have had an allergic reaction to ivacaftor or any of its ingredients.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss any liver or kidney diseases with your doctor, as they may require dosage adjustments.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as it is unknown if Kalydeco is excreted in human milk.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications can interact with Kalydeco and affect its effectiveness.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit as it may increase Kalydeco levels in your body.
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Posaconazole
- Voriconazole
- Fluconazole
- Telithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Rifampicin
- Rifabutin
- Phenobarbital
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Dexamethasone
- High-dose prednisone
- St. John's wort
- Midazolam
- Alprazolam
- Diazepam
- Triazolam
- Ciclosporin
- Tacrolimus
- Digoxin
- Warfarin
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating machinery while taking Kalydeco.
Alcohol
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Kalydeco.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Kalydeco may cause dizziness; avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you.
Storage
Store Kalydeco below 30°C in a dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Kalydeco to show effects can vary by individual.
Yes, Kalydeco should be taken with fat-containing food.
No, Kalydeco is not addictive.
Consult your doctor before stopping Kalydeco to discuss any potential effects.
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Kalydeco.
Weight gain is not specifically mentioned as a side effect of Kalydeco.
Elderly patients should consult their doctor to ensure Kalydeco is safe for them.
If you miss a dose, take it within 6 hours. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip it and take the next dose as scheduled.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.