elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor at a glance
Medicine class
Triple cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator.
Licensed use
Cystic fibrosis in eligible people aged 2 years and over with at least one F508del CFTR mutation.
Food
Take with fat-containing food and avoid grapefruit.
Specialist treatment
Prescribing and monitoring should be led by a healthcare professional experienced in cystic fibrosis.
What is elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor used for?
UK-licensed uses represented by the selected products are:
Granules, with ivacaftor, for children aged 2 to under 6 years with cystic fibrosis and at least one F508del CFTR mutation.
Tablets, with ivacaftor, for people aged 6 years and over with cystic fibrosis and at least one F508del CFTR mutation.
How does elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor work?
Elexacaftor and tezacaftor help misprocessed F508del-CFTR protein reach the cell surface. Ivacaftor helps the CFTR channel open there. Together they improve chloride transport, addressing the underlying protein defect rather than only its consequences.
elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor preparations and strengths
Sachet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 60 mg + 40 mg + 80 mg, 75 mg + 50 mg + 100 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 37.5 mg + 25 mg + 50 mg, 75 mg + 50 mg + 100 mg
How to take elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor
Take exactly as prescribed with fat-containing food. Avoid grapefruit and check with the cystic fibrosis team before starting other medicines or herbal products.
Swallow tablets whole; do not chew, crush or break them.
Mix the full contents of a granule sachet with a small amount of room-temperature or cooler soft food or liquid. Consume the entire mixture within one hour.
Continue other prescribed cystic fibrosis treatments unless the specialist team changes them.
elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness
- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea or wind
- Cold-like symptoms, nasal congestion or sore throat
- Rash, itching or acne
- Raised liver enzymes on blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of liver injury, including jaundice, dark urine, upper-right abdominal pain, loss of appetite or unexplained vomiting
- New or worsening low mood, anxiety, sleep problems, forgetfulness, poor concentration or persistent behavioural change; seek prompt assessment
- A severe or rapidly worsening rash, particularly with swelling or breathing difficulty, requires urgent assessment
elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor in pregnancy
Pregnancy information remains limited. The SmPC advises precautionary avoidance, while UK pregnancy specialists note that available evidence has not indicated fetal harm and that stopping effective CF treatment may worsen maternal health. Pregnancy planning, continuation or interruption should be discussed early with the cystic fibrosis and obstetric teams; treatment should not be stopped without specialist advice.
elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor while breastfeeding
The components can pass into breast milk, and evidence about long-term infant effects remains limited. Breastfeeding may be considered after an individual specialist assessment; exposed infants may need liver, eye and cystic-fibrosis screening follow-up.
elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor interactions
A full medicines review is important because all three components are affected by CYP3A and can alter some transported medicines.
Rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and St John’s wort
Strong CYP3A induction can markedly reduce treatment exposure and effectiveness, so combined use is not recommended.
Azole antifungals such as itraconazole, posaconazole or voriconazole
These can substantially increase exposure and require specialist alteration of treatment.
Clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole or verapamil
These can increase exposure and may require specialist alteration of treatment.
Common questions about elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor the same as Kaftrio?
Kaftrio is the UK brand containing these three active ingredients. It is prescribed with a separate ivacaftor product.
Does elexacaftor + ivacaftor + tezacaftor cure cystic fibrosis?
No. It improves the function of eligible CFTR protein but does not remove the underlying genetic condition, so ongoing specialist care remains necessary.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.