Symdeko

What is SYMDEKO?

(SYMDEKO) This product contains 2 different tablets. One tablet contains 2 medications ("multi-drug"): tezacaftor and ivacaftor. The other tablet contains only ivacaftor. This product is used to treat cystic fibrosis in certain people (those with an abnormal "CFTR" gene). It may help to improve breathing, reduce the risk of lung infections, and improve weight gain.

How should I use SYMDEKO?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take the multi-drug tablet by mouth in the morning and take ivacaftor tablet by mouth in the evening as directed by your doctor, usually 12 hours apart. Take both tablets with food that has fat (such as eggs, avocados, cheese, nuts, butter, peanut butter). The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Children's dose is also based on weight. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Use this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take SYMDEKO?

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to tezacaftor or ivacaftor; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease. This product may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with SYMDEKO?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Other medications can affect the removal of tezacaftor/ivacaftor from your body, which may affect how this product works. Examples include mifepristone, rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), drugs for seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), St. John's wort, among others.

What if I miss a dose of SYMDEKO?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 6 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving SYMDEKO?

Nausea, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this product has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: vision changes. This product may rarely cause serious liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, such as: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep SYMDEKO?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.