- Brand Name : Kalydeco
- Drug Class : CFTR Potentiators
- Medical Author : Dr. Vinod Katiboina, Pharm. D.
- Medical Reviewer : Divya Jacob, Pharm. D.
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What Is Ivacaftor and How Does It Work?
Ivacaftor is a prescription medication used to treat cystic fibrosis in adults and children who are a least 6 months old and weigh at least 11 pounds (5 kilograms). Ivacaftor is for use only in patients with a specific gene mutation related to cystic fibrosis.
- Ivacaftor is available under various brand names: Kalydeco
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Ivacaftor?
Common side effects of Ivacaftor include:
- dizziness,
- rash,
- headache,
- stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, and sore throat.
Serious side effects of Ivacaftor include:
- hives,
- difficult breathing,
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
- severe stomach pain,
- vision problems, eye pain,
- low blood sugar–headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or
- liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), nausea, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Rare side effects of Ivacaftor include:
- none
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
- Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.