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Trikafta® tablets

This product is manufactured by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and is a combination of 3 ingredients, ivacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor.

This product is taken orally.


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orally


Why is it prescribed?

Trikafta® is used in combination with similar medications to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients 2 years of age and older who have certain mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.

 

  • This medication should always be taken just before or just after fat-containing food.
  • Take each dose approximately 12 hours apart.
  • Swallow the tablets whole. Do NOT chew, break or dissolve the tablets.
  • If you miss a dose and it has been within 6 hours of the time you usually take it, take it as soon as possible.
  • If you miss a dose and it has been more than 6 hours since the time you usually take it: 
    • If the missed dose was the morning dose, take the missed dose as soon as you can and do NOT take the evening dose that day. Take your next morning dose at the usual time
    • If the missed dose was the evening dose, take your next morning dose at your usual time. 
  • Store at or below 30°C.

Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredients as Trikafta® tablets are •Trikafta® granules ••Trikafta® granules ••Trikafta® granules •

See other products used in the treatment of •cystic fibrosis •

The recommended dose is:

  • 2 to < 6 years:
    • See Trikafta® granules
  • 6 to <12 years:
    • weighing <30 kg: Two tablets, each containing elexacaftor 50 mg/tezacaftor 25 mg/ivacaftor 37.5 mg in the morning and one tablet of ivacaftor 75 mg in the evening (12 hours apart)
    • weighing ≥30 kg: Two tablets, each containing elexacaftor 100 mg/tezacaftor 50 mg/ivacaftor 75 mg in the morning and one tablet of ivacaftor 150 mg in the evening (12 hours apart)
  • ≥12 years:
    • Two tablets, each containing elexacaftor 100 mg/tezacaftor 50 mg/ivacaftor 75 mg in the morning & one tablet of ivacaftor 150 mg in the evening (12 hours apart)

Various mutations of the cystic fibrosis gene block the "gates" that allow the flow of salt across the cell membranes. This causes mucus to become thick and clog the lungs. Trikafta® helps "open the gates" more often allowing more salt to pass through.  The thick mucus is reduced and cystic fibrosis symptoms lessen.


Important potential side effects. These are not common but are possible:

  • liver problems
  • cataracts
  • allergic reactions

Contact your doctor if any of these side effects persists or are bothersome:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach (abdominal) pain
  • upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold and the flu
  • headache
  • nasal congestion
  • runny nose
  • sinus congestion
  • rash 

  • Drive and use machinery with caution as you may feel dizzy.
  • Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any part of it.

Take this medication with caution if you: 

  • have kidney problems
  • have liver problems

The following medications may interact with Trikafta®: 

  • antifungals such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole​
  • some antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin, rifabutin
  • some anti-seizure medications such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin 
  • some medications to treat diabetes such as repaglinide, glimepiride, glipizide
  • digoxin
  • medications used after a transplant such as cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus 
  • warfarin 
  • St. John’s wort 
  • products that contain grapefruit

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Little is known about the safety of this medication when used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.