Tezacaftor and Ivacaftor

Cystic fibrosis: Treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) aged ≥12 years who are homozygous for the F508del mutation or who have at least one mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that is responsive to tezacaftor/ivacaftor based on in vitro data and/or clinical evidence.

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Cataracts: Noncongenital lens opacities and cataracts have been reported in pediatric patients treated with tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor; other risk factors were present in some cases (eg, corticosteroid use, exposure to radiation), but a possible risk related to tezacaftor/ivacaftor cannot be excluded. Baseline and follow-up ophthalmological examinations are recommended in pediatric patients.

• CNS effects: May cause dizziness, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks that require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery, driving).

• Hepatic effects: May increase hepatic transaminases. Monitor ALT, AST, and bilirubin at baseline, every 3 months for the first year of therapy, and annually thereafter; increased monitoring may be necessary in patients with a history of elevated hepatic transaminases. Temporarily discontinue treatment if ALT or AST >5 × ULN or if ALT or AST >3 × ULN with concomitant bilirubin >2 × ULN. Following resolution of transaminase elevations, consider the benefits and risks of resuming therapy.

Disease-related concerns:

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; dosage adjustment recommended in patients with moderate to severe (Child-Pugh class B or C) impairment.

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with severe impairment (CrCl ≤30 mL/minute) or ESRD.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: If the patient's genotype is unknown, an FDA-cleared CF mutation test should be used to detect the presence of a CFTR mutation followed by verification with bidirectional sequencing when recommended by the mutation test instructions for use.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take tezacaftor and ivacaftor. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how tezacaftor and ivacaftor affects you.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Have your lung function checked as you have been told by your doctor. Talk with your doctor.
• Avoid Seville oranges.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Cataracts have happened in children taking tezacaftor and ivacaftor. Have an eye exam before starting tezacaftor and ivacaftor and while taking it. Talk with your doctor
• This medicine may affect how much of some other drugs are in your body. If you are taking other drugs, talk with your doctor. You may need to have your blood work checked more closely while taking tezacaftor and ivacaftor with your other drugs.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using tezacaftor and ivacaftor while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

• Symdeko^®