Orkambi

Generic name:ivacaftor and lumacaftor [ EYE-va-KAF-tor-and-LOO-ma-KAF-tor ]
Drug class:CFTR combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2021.

What is Orkambi?

Orkambi contains a combination of ivacaftor and lumacaftor. Ivacaftor and lumacaftor is used to treat cystic fibrosis in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Orkambi is for use only in patients with a specific gene mutation related to cystic fibrosis.

Before you take Orkambi, you may need a medical test to make sure you have this gene mutation.

Warnings

Orkambi can cause serious side effects. High liver enzymes in the blood, which can be a sign of liver injury, have been reported in patients receiving this medicice. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your liver.

Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together with Orkambi. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Orkambi if you are allergic to ivacaftor or lumacaftor.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with ivacaftor and lumacaftor. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• St. John's wort;

• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection - cyclosporine, everolimus (Zortress), sirolimus, tacrolimus;

• a sedative - triazolam or midazolam;

• seizure medicine - carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin; or

• tuberculosis medicine - rifabutin, rifampin.

To make sure Orkambi is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• high blood pressure;

• asthma or other lung disease; or

• an organ transplant.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Orkambi can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using Orkambi , use a barrier form of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

Orkambi is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

How should I take Orkambi?

Orkambi is usually taken every 12 hours. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Take Orkambi with food that contains fat, such as butter, peanut butter, eggs, avocados, nuts, whole milk, cheese, yogurt, or cheese pizza. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully...