kalydeco
Kalydeco (Ivacaftor) is a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiator used to treat Cystic Fibrosis.
Ivacaftor · by Vertex Pharms Inc
Available as a generic: Ivacaftor
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Ivacaftor
- Form
- Powder, Tablet
- Strength
- Ivacaftor 13.4MG/PACKET · Ivacaftor 25MG/PACKET · Ivacaftor 5.8MG/PACKET · Ivacaftor 50MG/PACKET · Ivacaftor 75MG/PACKET
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- cystic fibrosis
- Manufacturer
- Vertex Pharms Inc
- FDA application
- NDA207925
What is Kalydeco?
From the FDA label:The active ingredient in KALYDECO tablets and oral granules is ivacaftor, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiator, which has the following chemical name: N -(2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide. Its molecular formula is C 24 H 28 N 2 O 3 and its molecular weight is 392.49. Ivacaftor has the following structural formula: Ivacaftor is a white to off-white powder that is practically insoluble in water (<0.05 microgram/mL). KALYDECO is available as a light blue, oblong-shaped, film-coated tablet for oral administration containing 150 mg of ivacaftor. Each KALYDECO tablet contains 150 mg of ivacaftor and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose acetate succinate, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The tablet film coat contains carnauba wax, FD&C Blue #2, PEG 3350, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide. The printing ink contains ammonium hydroxide, iron oxide black, propylene glycol, and shellac. KALYDECO is also available as white to off-white granules for oral administration (sweetened but unflavored) and enclosed in a unit-dose packet containing 5.8 mg of ivacaftor, 13.4 mg of ivacaftor, 25 mg of ivacaftor, 50 mg of ivacaftor, or 75 mg of ivacaftor. Each unit-dose packet of KALYDECO oral…
How to use
Kalydeco is sold in more than one form (Powder and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA207925 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
Age Weight Dosage Administration 1 month to less than 2 months 3 kg or greater One 5.8 mg packet every 12 hours Mixed with one teaspoon (5 mL) of soft food or liquid and administered orally with fat-containing food 2 months to less than 4 months 3 kg or greater One 13.4 mg packet every 12 hours 4 months to less than 6 months 5 kg or greater One 25 mg packet every 12 hours 6 months to less than 6 years 5 kg to less than 7 kg One 25 mg packet every 12 hours 7 kg to less than 14 kg One 50 mg packet every 12 hours 14 kg or greater One 75 mg packet every 12 hours 6 years and older - One 150 mg tablet every 12 hours Taken orally with fat-containing food See full prescribing information for the recommended dosage in patients aged 6 months and older with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. ( 2.3 , 8.6 ) See full prescribing information for dosage modifications due to drug interactions with KALYDECO. ( 2.4 , 7.1 ) Not recommended in pediatric patients less than 1 month of age. ( 2.2 , 8.4 ) Not recommended in patients 1 month to less than 6 months of age with any level of hepatic impairment and/or taking concomitant moderate or strong CYP3A inhibitors. ( 2.3 , 2.4 , 8.6 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage in Adults and Pediatric Patients Aged 6 Years and Older The recommended dosage of KALYDECO for adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older is 150 mg orally every 12 hours (300 mg…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Transaminase Elevations [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Intracranial Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Neuropsychiatric Events, Including Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Cataracts [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The most common adverse drug reactions to KALYDECO (≥8% of patients with CF who have a G551D mutation in the CFTR gene) were headache, oropharyngeal pain, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal congestion, abdominal pain, nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, rash, nausea, and dizziness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated at 1-877-634-8789 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The overall safety profile of KALYDECO is based on pooled data from three placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted in 353 patients 6 years of age and older with CF who had a G551D…
Warnings
Important safety information
Elevated transaminases (ALT or AST): Transaminases (ALT and AST) should be assessed prior to initiating KALYDECO, every 3 months during the first year of treatment, and annually thereafter. In patients with a history of transaminase elevations, more frequent monitoring of liver function tests should be considered. Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be closely monitored until the abnormalities resolve. Interrupt dosing in patients with ALT or AST of greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Following resolution of transaminase elevations, consider the benefits and risks of resuming KALYDECO dosing. ( 5.1 , 6 ) Hypersensitivity reactions: Anaphylaxis has been reported with KALYDECO in the postmarketing setting. Initiate appropriate therapy in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction. ( 5.2 ) Intracranial hypertension : Intracranial hypertension (IH) has been reported in the postmarketing setting with use of drugs containing the same or similar active ingredients as KALYDECO. If an unusual headache or visual disturbances occur during treatment, and IH is suspected, interrupt KALYDECO and refer for prompt medical evaluation. ( 5.3 ) Neuropsychiatric events, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors : Serious neuropsychiatric events, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and behavior, and sleep disturbances, have been reported in the postmarketing setting for KALYDECO or drugs containing the same or similar active ingredient. Monitor patients closely for new or worsening symptoms. Consider the risks and benefits for the individual patient to determine if therapy with KALYDECO should be interrupted at the occurrence of neuropsychiatric symptoms. ( 5.4 ) Use with CYP3A inducers: Concomitant use with strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John's wort) substantially decreases exposure of ivacaftor, which may diminish effectiveness. Therefore, co-administration is not recommended. ( 5.5 , 7.2 , 12.3 ) Cataracts: Non-congenital lens opacities/cataracts have been reported in pediatric patients treated with KALYDECO. Baseline and follow-up examinations are recommended in pediatric patients initiating KALYDECO treatment. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Transaminase (ALT or AST) Elevations Elevated transaminases have been reported in patients with CF receiving KALYDECO. ALT and AST should be assessed prior to initiating KALYDECO, every 3 months during the first year of treatment, and annually thereafter. For patients with a history of transaminase elevations, consider more frequent monitoring of liver function tests. Patients who develop increased transaminase levels should be closely monitored until the abnormalities resolve. Dosing should be interrupted in patients with ALT or AST of greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Following resolution of transaminase elevations, consider the benefits and risks of resuming KALYDECO [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . 5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis Hypersensitivity reactions, including cases of anaphylaxis, have been reported in the postmarketing setting [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions develop during treatment, discontinue KALYDECO and institute appropriate therapy. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient to determine whether to resume treatment with KALYDECO . 5.3 Intracranial Hypertension Cases of intracranial hypertension (IH) have been reported in the postmarketing setting with the use of drugs containing the same or similar active ingredients as KALYDECO [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Clinical manifestations of IH include headache, blurred vision, diplopia, and potential vision loss; papilledema can be found on fundoscopy. If an unusual headache or visual disturbances occur during treatment, and IH is suspected, interrupt KALYDECO and refer for prompt medical evaluation. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient to determine whether to resume treatment with KALYDECO. Patients should be monitored until IH resolution and for recurrence. Patients with elevated vitamin A levels may be at increased risk. 5.4 Neuropsychiatric Events, Including Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Serious neuropsychiatric events, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and behavior, and sleep disturbances, have been reported in the postmarketing setting in patients taking KALYDECO or drugs containing the same or similar active ingredient [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . The events were reported in adult and pediatric patients with and without a previous history of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Symptoms may occur within the first three months of treatment initiation. Assess patients for baseline neuropsychiatric symptoms and monitor for new or worsening symptoms of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation or behavior, or sleep disturbances. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient to determine if therapy with KALYDECO should be interrupted at the occurrence of neuropsychiatric symptoms and whether to resume therapy with symptom improvement. 5.5 Concomitant Use with CYP3A Inducers Use of KALYDECO with strong CYP3A inducers, such as rifampin, substantially decreases the exposure of ivacaftor, which may reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of KALYDECO. Therefore, co-administration of KALYDECO with strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John's wort) is not recommended [ see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.6 Cataracts Cases of non-congenital lens opacities/cataracts have been reported in pediatric patients treated with KALYDECO. Although other risk factors were present in some cases (such as corticosteroid use and/or exposure to radiation), a possible risk attributable to KALYDECO cannot be excluded. Baseline and follow-up ophthalmological examinations are recommended in pediatric patients initiating KALYDECO treatment.
Who should not take Kalydeco
None. None ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
There have been no reports of overdose with KALYDECO. No specific antidote is available for overdose with KALYDECO. Treatment of overdose with KALYDECO consists of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Potential for other drugs to affect ivacaftor CYP3A inhibitors: Reduce KALYDECO dosage in patients aged 6 months and older when co-administered with strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) or moderate CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole). KALYDECO is not recommended in patients aged 1 month to less than 6 months when co-administered with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid food or drink containing grapefruit. ( 2.4 , 7.1 ) 7.1 Inhibitors of CYP3A Ivacaftor is a sensitive CYP3A substrate. Co-administration with ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A inhibitor, significantly increased ivacaftor exposure [measured as area under the curve (AUC)] by 8.5-fold. Based on simulations of these results, a reduction of the KALYDECO dosage is recommended for patients aged 6 months and older taking concomitant strong CYP3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, telithromycin, and clarithromycin. KALYDECO is not recommended for patients less than 6 months of age taking strong CYP3A inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Co-administration with fluconazole, a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A, increased ivacaftor exposure by 3-fold. Therefore, a reduction of the KALYDECO dosage is recommended for patients aged 6 months and older taking concomitant moderate CYP3A inhibitors, such as fluconazole and erythromycin. KALYDECO is not recommended for patients less than 6 months of age taking moderate CYP3A inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Co-administration of KALYDECO with grapefruit juice, which contains one or more components that moderately inhibit CYP3A, may increase exposure of ivacaftor. Therefore, avoid food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with KALYDECO [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Inducers of CYP3A Co-administration with rifampin, a strong CYP3A inducer, significantly decreased ivacaftor exposure (AUC) by approximately 9-fold. Therefore, co-administration with strong CYP3A inducers, such as rifampin, rifabutin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John's wort is not recommended [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.3 Ciprofloxacin Co-administration of KALYDECO with ciprofloxacin had no effect on the exposure of ivacaftor. Therefore, no dosage adjustment is necessary during concomitant administration of KALYDECO with ciprofloxacin [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Potential for ivacaftor to affect other drugs 7.4 CYP2C9 Substrates Ivacaftor may inhibit CYP2C9; therefore, monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) during co-administration of KALYDECO with warfarin is recommended. Other therapeutic products for which exposure may be increased by KALYDECO include glimepiride and glipizide; these therapeutic products should be used with caution [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.5 CYP3A and/or P-gp Substrates Ivacaftor and its M1 metabolite have the potential to inhibit CYP3A and P-gp. Co-administration with oral midazolam, a sensitive CYP3A substrate, increased midazolam exposure 1.5-fold, consistent with weak inhibition of CYP3A by ivacaftor. Co-administration with digoxin, a sensitive P-gp substrate, increased digoxin exposure by 1.3-fold, consistent with weak inhibition of P-gp by ivacaftor. Administration of KALYDECO may increase systemic exposure of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A and/or P-gp, which may increase or prolong their therapeutic effect and adverse events. Therefore, caution and appropriate monitoring are recommended when co-administering KALYDECO with sensitive CYP3A and/or P-gp substrates, such as digoxin, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Powder and Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
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Request a 90-day supply
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Use copay cards
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Kalydeco treat?
- Kalydeco (Ivacaftor) may be used to treat cystic fibrosis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Kalydeco?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Kalydeco. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Kalydeco?
- Kalydeco is marketed by Vertex Pharms Inc. You can see Vertex Pharms Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Kalydeco a brand-name or generic drug?
- Kalydeco is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Ivacaftor. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Ivacaftor are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Kalydeco available over the counter?
- No. Kalydeco is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Kalydeco come in?
- Kalydeco is currently marketed as powder and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Kalydeco?
- Kalydeco is classified as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiator, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Kalydeco FDA-registered?
- Kalydeco is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA207925. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Kalydeco safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Kalydeco. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Kalydeco?
- Kalydeco's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Transaminase Elevations [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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