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Overview: Trikafta is used to treat cystic fibrosis in people who have certain genetic mutations. It contains three medicines that reduce symptoms of cystic fibrosis by thinning out the mucus that blocks the lungs and digestive system. Common side effects include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain or congestion, and common cold symptoms. Before using Trikafta, make sure to tell your health care provider about any other medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Trikafta used for?

Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) is commonly used to treat an inherited disorder called cystic fibrosis, which is caused by many different types of genetic changes (mutations). Trikafta should only be used for cystic fibrosis that is caused by certain mutations.

Trikafta may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Trikafta work (mechanism of action)?

Cystic fibrosis is caused by changes (mutations) in a specific gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which controls the movement of chloride ions and water through the body. In people with cystic fibrosis, chloride ions and water do not move well through the body, causing thick, sticky mucus that blocks the airways and the digestive system. 

Trikafta contains three different medicines that work together to help CFTR move chloride ions and water through the body more easily. This thins out the mucus and reduces the symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

How is Trikafta supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Trikafta

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 80 mg/40 mg/60 mg and 59.5 mg oral granules
  • 100 mg/50 mg/75 mg and 75 mg oral granules
  • 50 mg/25 mg/37.5 mg and 75 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg/50 mg/75 mg and 150 mg oral tablets

How should I store Trikafta?

Trikafta should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Trikafta?

The most common side effects of Trikafta are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, or common cold symptoms
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Rash
  • High blood levels of certain liver enzymes, creatine phosphokinase, or bilirubin
  • Sinus pain or congestion
  • Influenza (flu)

There may be other side effects of Trikafta that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Trikafta?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Trikafta are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Trikafta may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Trikafta and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Trikafta. Keep all appointments for blood tests so that your health care provider can monitor your liver function. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish (also called jaundice)

Cataracts. Some children have developed changes in the lenses of their eyes (cataracts) while taking Trikafta. It is unclear if Trikafta increases the risk of cataracts. You may need to have your eyes examined while you are taking this medicine. Contact your health care provider if you develop any of the following symptoms of cataracts.

  • Blurry, foggy, or cloudy vision
  • Changes in the way you see color
  • Seeing double

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Trikafta?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Trikafta.

  • Elexacaftor
  • Ivacaftor
  • Tezacaftor
  • Trikafta
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Trikafta.

What should I know about Trikafta before using it?

Do not take Trikafta unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Trikafta with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Trikafta out of the reach of children.

Trikafta can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Trikafta affects you.

Trikafta tablets come as two different tablets. One tablet contains elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and should be taken in the morning each day. The other tablet contains only ivacaftor and should be taken in the evening each day. Read the label carefully and speak with your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are unsure how to take Trikafta tablets. Swallow the tablets whole.

Trikfata oral granules come in two different types of packets. One packet type contains elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and should be taken in the morning each day. The other packet type contains ivacaftor and should be taken in the evening each day. 

Trikafta oral granules should be mixed with a teaspoon of room temperature or cooler liquid or soft food. Once it is mixed, the dose should be taken within one hour. Examples of soft foods include pureed fruits or vegetables, yogurt, or applesauce. Examples of liquids include milk, infant formula, juice, or water. Read the label carefully and speak with your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are unsure how to take Trikafta granules.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Trikafta?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Trikafta is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Trikafta may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Trikafta, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Trikafta could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Trikafta while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Trikafta passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Trikafta while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Trikafta?

For more information about Trikafta, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.trikafta.com or call them at 877-752-5933.

Interactions

Does Trikafta interact with foods or drinks?

Trikafta should be taken with a meal that contains a fatty food, such as whole milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, butter, peanut butter, avocado, or cheese pizza.  

You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Trikafta. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can cause a dangerous increase in the blood levels of Trikafta.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Trikafta. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Trikafta.

Does Trikafta interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Trikafta.

  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which are medicines used for fungal infections
  • Clarithromycin or erythromycin, which are medicines used for bacterial infections
  • Rifabutin (Mycobutin), which is a medicine used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex infection
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Trikafta, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Trikafta. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Trikafta?

If you or someone else has used too much Trikafta, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Trikafta?

If you miss a dose and it has been less than six hours since the missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than six hours since the missed dose, follow the instructions below. Do not take double or extra doses.

  • If you missed the morning dose and it has been more than six hours since the missed dose, take the morning dose as soon as you remember. Then skip the evening dose that day. Take all doses at their regular times the next day. 
  • If you miss the evening dose and it has been more than six hours since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose in the morning the next day.