Key facts about Symdeko
What is Symdeko?
Symdeko is the brand name for tezacaftor/ivacaftor and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Symdeko available in?
Symdeko contains tezacaftor 50 mg/ivacaftor 75 mg fixed-dose combination tablets co-packaged with ivacaftor 75 mg tablets.
What is Symdeko used for?
Symdeko is a combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor, and is used to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 6 years and older who have certain gene mutations.
How does Symdeko work?
Symdeko is a combination of two medications. Ivacaftor is a CFTR potentiator. It works by keeping chloride “gates” on the CFTR protein open so that salt and water can move freely in the lungs. This helps prevent mucus buildup in the lungs. Tezacaftor is a CFTR corrector. It works by correcting the shape of the CFTR protein, which is often misshaped in people with CF. Once the CFTR protein forms the correct 3-D shape, it’s able to move to the surface of cells in the body and work properly.
How do I take Symdeko?
Symdeko comes with 2 different tablets:
- a fixed-dose tezacaftor/ivacaftor tablet and an ivacaftor-only tablet.
- Adults and children 6 years or older weighing at least 66 lbs (30 kg): The combination tablets contain 100 mg/150 mg (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) and the ivacaftor-only tablets contain 150 mg of ivacaftor.
- Children 6 to 12 years old weighing less than 66 lbs (30 kg): The combination tablets contain 50 mg/75 mg (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) and the ivacaftor-only tablets contain 75 mg of ivacaftor.
Is it safe for me to take Symdeko?
Symdeko is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Symdeko Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Symdeko:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sinus congestion
- Dizziness
Symdeko Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Symdeko. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Liver damage
- Intracranial hypertension
- Cataracts
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Symdeko
The following medications may interact with Symdeko:
- CYP3A inhibitors
Who makes Symdeko?
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Is Symdeko safe in pregnancy?
It is not known whether this medication is safe for you and your unborn baby during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have plans on becoming pregnant. They will recommend what is best for you.
