Orkambi is a medicine that has lumacaftor and ivacaftor, which are substances used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, which is a hereditary disease that has serious effects on the lungs and digestive system.
This remedy is available in the form of tablets in two different dosages and can only be prescribed by a physician experienced in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
What is it for
Orkambi is a medicine used to treat cystic fibrosis in people 6 years of age or older.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes the production of very thick secretions in the lungs and digestive tract, because it affects the cells that produce mucus and digestive juices, which can cause obstruction, inflammation and chronic infection. This disease may occur in childhood and adulthood. Know which symptoms are most common.
How to use
This medicinal product should only be prescribed to patients with the F508del mutation confirmed in both copies of the CFTR gene and the dose administered depends on the person's age:
- Adults and children over 12 years of age: The recommended dose is 2 tablets of 200 mg of lumacaftor and 125 mg of ivacaftor, taken at 12-hour intervals with foods containing fats;
- Children between 6 and 12 years of age: The recommended dose is 2 tablets of 100 mg of lumacaftor and 125 mg of ivacaftor, taken at 12-hour intervals with foods containing fats.
Foods rich in fats that can be ingested with the tablets can be meals prepared with butter or oils, foods containing eggs, cheese, nuts, whole milk or meats.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects with this medicine are shortness of breath, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, nausea, nasal congestion, expiration cough and abdominal pain.
The most serious side effects that can occur are liver problems such as elevated liver enzymes, accumulation of bile which leads to inflammation of the liver and liver encephalopathy.
Who should not use
This medicinal product should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to the active substance or to any component of the formula.
In addition, it should only be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding if recommended by your doctor.
