Discover everything about Kalydeco 150 mg and its use as an ivacaftor drug. Learn about the kalydeco 150 mg tablet, kalydeco tablet 150 mg, ivacaftor price, and ivacaftor price in India. Understand what is Kalydeco and what is Kalydeco used for in treating cystic fibrosis.

Generic name: Ivacaftor [ EYE-va-KAF-tor ] Drug class: CFTR potentiators

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, life-shortening genetic disorder that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. For decades, CF treatment focused primarily on symptom management—clearing mucus, controlling infections, and improving nutrition. However, the advent of precision medicine has radically changed this approach. One of the most groundbreaking therapies in this field is Kalydeco (Ivacaftor) 150 mg, a CFTR modulator that treats the root cause of the disease in patients with specific gene mutations.

In this comprehensive blog, we explore everything you need to know about Kalydeco 150 mg—Moreover, its mechanism, indications, dosage, benefits, risks, and impact on the future of cystic fibrosis treatment.

What is Kalydeco?

• Kalydeco is a prescription medication developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. It is the first FDA-approved drug that targets the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in patients with certain mutations in the CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) gene.
• Unlike conventional treatments, which primarily alleviate symptoms, Kalydeco enhances the function of the defective CFTR protein, significantly altering disease progression.
• Kalydeco is used to treat cystic fibrosis in adults and children who are at least 1 month old and weigh at least 6 pounds (3 kilograms).
• Kalydeco tablets can be used in children aged 6 years and older. Kalydeco granules can be used in children aged 1 month to under 6 years old.
• Cystic fibrosis is an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction) in adults and children 1 month of age and older.
• Kalydeco should be used only in people with a specific gene mutation related to cystic fibrosis. Your doctor may order a blood test to help decide if this medication is right for you.
• Kalydeco belongs to a class of medications called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiators. However, Ivacaftor works by improving the function of a protein in the body to decrease the build-up of thick mucus in the lungs and improving other symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

How should I take Kalydeco?

• Take Kalydeco exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
• Secondly Take Kalydeco with food that contains fat, such as eggs, milk products such as whole milk, cheese, yogurt, breast milk or infant formula. So, Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
• Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
• Fourthly Mix the Kalydeco granules with 1 teaspoon of soft food such as pureed fruits or vegetables, yogurt, applesauce, water, breast milk, infant formula, milk, or juice. Mix only 1 dose at a time and use within 1 hour after mixing. Feed the child a high-fat food after or before giving the granule mixture.
• Take Kalydeco at evenly spaced intervals every 12 hours.
• Doses are based on weight in children. Your child’s dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
• You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
• Additionaly Your child may need frequent vision exams.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine in the original packaging.

Mechanism of Action

Kalydeco belongs to a class of drugs called CFTR potentiators. In individuals with specific mutations, such as G551D, the CFTR protein reaches the cell surface but fails to function properly. Kalydeco binds to the CFTR protein and increases the likelihood that the channel stays open, allowing the proper flow of chloride ions.

This results in:

• Improved hydration of the mucus lining the lungs

• Better mucus clearance

• Reduced respiratory infections

• Enhanced overall lung function

Administration Guidelines

• Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew

• Administer at the same times every day

• Do not skip doses; if a dose is missed within 6 hours, take it. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip it.

• Maintain a consistent dietary routine to optimize drug effectiveness

Dosage and Administration

Kalydeco is available in 150 mg film-coated tablets and oral granules for pediatric use.

Standard Adult Dose:

• 150 mg orally every 12 hours (total of 300 mg/day)

• Must be taken with fat-containing food to enhance absorption (e.g., whole milk, eggs, peanut butter)

Pediatric Dose:

• Granules are available for children aged 4 months to 6 years

• Dosing is based on age and weight

• Also administered every 12 hours with fat-containing food

Dosage Adjustments:

• In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), reduce to 150 mg once daily

• In severe hepatic impairment, dose reduction or alternative day dosing may be required with close monitoring

Drug Interactions

Kalydeco is metabolize by CYP3A enzymes, making it prone to interactions with various medications:

In Addition, Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you’re taking.

Kalydeco side effects

Most Importantly Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Kalydeco: Hives, Difficult Breathing, Swelling of your face, lips, Tongue, or Throat.

Kalydeco may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;

• low blood sugar–Headache, hunger, Weakness, Sweating, Confusion, Irritability, Dizziness, Fast heart rate, or Feeling jittery; or

• Liver problems – loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), Tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common Kalydeco side effects may include:

• Muscle or joint pain

• Dizziness

• Rash, Acne

• Headache

• Mouth pain

• Stomach pain, Nausea, Diarrhea

• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

• Before you take Kalydeco, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
• Secondly Kalydeco take with a food that contains fat, such as butter, peanut butter, eggs, cheese pizza, or whole-milk dairy products such as whole milk, cheese, and yogurt. Follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully.
• Grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges may interact with Kalydeco and lead to unwanted effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and orange products with your doctor.
• To be sure Kalydeco is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to check with frequent blood tests. So, Visit your doctor regularly.
• Similarly There are many other drugs that can interact with ivacaftor. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, likewise over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

What other drugs will affect Kalydeco?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• St. John’s wort
• Seizure medicine such as Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, or Phenytoin
• An Antibiotic – Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Telithromycin, Rifabutin, Rifampin; or
• Lastly Antifungal Medicine – Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Voriconazole.

However, This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ivacaftor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: ivacaftor
Ivacaftor tablets:
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.
Ivacaftor oral granules:
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose acetate succinate, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, sucralose, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Manufacturer

Manufactured for: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, USA.